Naunet

The heat from the fire had merged with the growing heat of a desert day on K'deiki's face. She and the other elders watched the flames shiver and ripple in liquid form as the tribe argued around them, feeling the weight of each point dropping from desperate mouths like stones. Their voices and thoughts tumbled about and over and through one another until, as the sun climbed higher skyward, K'deiki heard them finally slipping into a cohesive strain. A joining, an almost agreement. The old woman stood, her actions stirring K'takka and K'jhanhi next to her from their own thoughts. Both looked up and around at the tribe, the former with as inscrutible an expression as ever, the latter ever with judgment on his mind. At this, K'deiki smiled and lifted the hand that now held the stone sigil towards the spread of blue above them. "So it has been said and heard before she who walks the sky," K'deiki intoned, her words carrying with enough strength to settle the remaining murmurs amongst those gathered. To one side, the eerily tattooed face of K'takka angled upwards, though her gaze remained on the fire. One hand she brought forth from the cloth shrouding her in a gesture of supplication. "We keep faith that each who has spoken here has done so with the sake of the tribe in mind and heart, even," she paused, closing her hand into a wrinkled fist, "when we might not agree." "But listening will only take us so far," K'jhanhi's voice rumbled out, low and strong despite his age. "Action is what will save us, not debate. So action we will take." He turned faded yellow eyes to K'ile then, brow pulling down, "Take with you those who will go, and see what other lands we might call home. That initiative will keep our people secure." "While you are away, we will confer with our own hearts and Azeyma's wisdom, with our family's words as our guide," K'deiki finished, bowing her head briefly. "We will not linger with a decision, but neither will we make one in haste. Go now, all of you, and take what we can of this day, and the next." She turned from the fire then and, with a muttered prayer, began to move back through the crowd, back to the shelter of their tent. The other elders followed close, features solemn.

((Occurs roughly two days following Saints and Dinner. Recorded from in-game RP.)) *** Illira sat at her desk within an office within still the CRA’s headquarters. Long legs tucked under the desk, her tall, elezen frame was still cramped for space. In front of her was a letter, which she read while scribbling notes on a separate sheet of paper. Antimony hovered outside the office for a time, prepping herself mentally and appearance-wise for the summons she had received. With a last flick of her ear at a stray hair, she pulled her features into a look of professionalism and pushed inside with a hopefully not too intrusive clearing of her throat. Illira turned her head slightly towards the quiet throat clearing behind her, "Antimony. Thank you for coming on such a short notice. I apologize for the abruptness." She laid down her writing utensil, and stood from the chair to better greet the guest. Antimony stepped fully into the office, clasping hands in front of her, and let her ears swoop back in acknowledgment. "It's perfectly fine. This is my job after all. And you are my, ah, employer. So of course I would respond!" Illira nodded her head, "Of course." She reached behind her to pick up the letter that she had been reading, rolling it loosely and holding it out towards Anti, "There is a job for you, in Ul'dah. There have been noted issues in the finances of some of those around the Syndicate, specifically a man name D'Themia Nunh. But due to political circumstances in the area, it is believed best to trace your way too the root through corruption found within the Brass Blades." There was a pause and then she added, "Please, read the briefing and let me know of any questions you may have, before I continue." The missive read as follows: Antimony blinked in brief confusion, though she took the offered paper. "D'themia." She looked uncomfortable at something. "Ah, that is why you are offering the assignment," she said and looks down at the letter now in hand. She frowned as she read. "The Brass... was that not your former, ah, post?" Illira smiled tightly, "Yes. I am quite familiar with Brass Blades' particular brand of corruption. You could even say that it is a little personal for me, but I will help you as I am able. One of the Captains, a Lala by the name of Lamandu Tyremandu has held his post for a few years now and was placed in his position by the Syndicate. He would likely make an excellent place to start the hunt." Antimony pursed her lips, seeming to think on the contents of the letter, and then nodded. "If there is a laundering of money, then the end points will either be obvious, if they are unskilled, or scattered in accounts unrelated to the Blades. Perhaps invested and converted into assets. It will likely necessitate an inspection of more than just this individual's bank account. Or accounts.” Illira frowned slightly, "That is of course, entirely likely. But that is your job. I can give you names, background, context. The actual work is yours, though." Antimony nodded. "Of course." A pause. "For efficiency's sake, I will deal with this, ah, La... Lan... what was it again?" Illira walked back over to the desk fetching the notes that she had made. "Lamandu Tyremandu, his post is my old one, just off of Pearl Lane." She shook the notes in her hand, holding them out, "I've written down some key points, and rough map of where to go. I included a few other names that I had had under my eye, but their ties are not as direct." Antimony's tail flicked behind her as she resisted the urge to question further. "Ah, at times people will funnel ill money into... well, secondary holders - other people. Depending on what I do or do not find with La--Le--Lamandu," she frowned briefly, committing it to memory, "I may ask after them as well." Illira knit her hands together, letting them relax in front of her, "Of course. Please do. I would not be saddened to see their underbelly exposed in all of this." Grinning sharply, "Are there any questions that I may field from you, concerning this job before you run off to the sandy city?" Antimony was quiet for a long moment, glancing again over the letter, frowning at something in it, and then finally shook her head. Her ears bounced a bit at the gesture. “Ah, no, this all sounds rather straightforward. Or, well, as much as such ever is... Ah! I presume you'll cover travel expenses...?” “The agency will cover your travel and accommodations,” Illira confirmed with a gesture. “The Quicksand may suit your sleeping needs, though it can be busy there. Just bill to the agency. If there is any trouble with something that has been billed to us, it will be discussed at a later point." Antimony nodded, breathing in through her nose and letting out a short sigh. "Alright. I will do my very best with this assignment." She blinked and then added a bit hastily, "As always." “Are you sure that you are fine with the job? It seems rather... distressing to you?” Antimony shook her head and smiled. "No, it's quite alright." A pause, a bit of an uncertain shrug. "It is just that the nunh... is this D'hein's tribe?" Her ears presssed back suddenly and she lifted both hands, one holding the papers, and waved them around. "Ah, not that it's any of my business, of course! I will cease thinking of it right away." Illira raised her rather thick brows, "Is it his tribe? I suppose it could be. I may have to... make further inquiries on that subject. But no matter. It should not affect how you conduct your business. And remember, that while the primary person under investigation is D'themia, do not hold back your investigation against the Blades. There is far more corruption there than there ought to be." Antimony Jhanhi taps her fingers against the papers for a moment and then bows her head with some finality. "Of course. I should be on my way to, ah, plan the trip then, if there's nothing else?" Illira shook her head, "No, that is all. Just be sure to check-in with me on your progress and findings at regular intervals." With a nod to Illira, “Right then! Ah, I'll just let myself...” She backed up towards the door, papers in hand, and smiled at the Wildwood, "Please, have a pleasant evening." Illira returned the smile briefly, "Yes, of course. Have a safe trip." She turned then and walked back to her desk, allowing Antimony to see herself out of the office. Antimony 's ears twitched about for a moment before she spun and slipped out the door quietly, leaving Illira to her work in peace. The headquarters of the Commerce Regulation Agency were quiet that day, and so Antimony’s exit was not otherwise noted. The moment she took a step outside the headquarters, however, she was drawn up short by a nightmarish sight: a form impossibly tall and thin, white cloth billowing about a frail body, a ghost white pumpkin resting atop the broad shoulders rather than any normal head, a garish grin bared at her. The figure waved at Antimony in complete, stony silence. The woman paled to nearly the color of the pumpkin and jumped, her tail bushing up behind her to several times its normal size. "Demons!!" She shrieked and cowered back, bringing her arms up in warding. The figure said nothing for a moment, shrugged, and then turned to walk away. For over a minute, she remained frozen in horror not daring to take even one more peek at the monster, though she could hear its light steps move off. Another minute passed before she straightened from her cower, though her tail remained fluffed out in distress, and then she made a mad dash to the docks to purchase the earliest ticket for the ferry out of Limsa Lominsa that she could possibly manage.

((Still catching up to present day. Here's some more holiday-themed in-game RP I did with the fantastic Ulanan and Illira! Now with 100% more insight into characters' worldviews.)) *** The view of Limsa in the full radiance of the late afternoon sun, splashing golds and oranges across stone and water, would have been a beautiful sight any day. But not this day. With Ulanan, blonde hair smoothed down prettily and wearing a strange, faceless mask, at her side, the middle aged miqo’te Antimony stood at the edge of the Aftcastle, staring uncomfortably across the plaza. The beauty of the day did not catch her eyes, for they were far too distracted by something else: a terrifyingly grotesque horror of grey-mottled skin and dead, cloudy eyes peering out from a flat, broad gourd that had carved across its surface a gruesome grin. Not a single Limsan denizen seemed to give it mind as the crowds passed, disregarding it enough that Antimony had to wonder if she were simply imagining the nightmarish vision. "Ulanan,” she began after a time, voice uncertain, “is that... is that a voidsent..?" From her lower vantage point, the lalafell scanned the area Antimony had indicated. Around the monster and its strange home were scattered other decorations of some ghastly theme. “Just some lalafell with a giant stuffed imp head for a hat,” Ulanan concluded. “That... why anyone would pretend to be one of those things?” The very thought of it struck her as more than absurd; it was absolutely unthinkable! “Ghosts are overrated.” It was that moment that a familiar Wildwood strode out of across the bridge leading out of the Drowning Wench, a deep scowl etched on her smooth features. Illira Carceri scanned the passersby moving towards her, the crowd largely heading into the bar for a night of revelry as Limsa citiezens were want to do. Or so judged this elezen. Antimony shook her head after a moment, still looking unnerved. "It's like celebrating death. Horrid." Unable to fully look away from the display, a disturbed chill gripped her chest. “Death? No. It's a costume! Traditionally, it is said that Eorzeans hid during this time from the ravenous monsters that lurked in the shadows by dressing like them.” As she spoke, Ulanan lifted a finger in a lecturing way, peering up at Antimony through the sightless holes of her mask. Illira turned her head towards their voices as Antimony and Ulanan’s conversation drifted across the plaza, glancing towards the origin and spotting the both of them. The sight did not give her cheer; if anything her scowl deepened as she turns to walk towards them. Antimony grimaced at Ulanan’s explanation. "And so instead they... dress up as ravenous monsters." Her tone and the way her features pulled into a taught expression spoke to how little she thought of the notion. “Exactly!” “Exactly? Hmph,” she huffed. “I don't think I like...” She trailed off at the approach of the elezen, her ears twitching. Ulanan had only one thing to say in greeting: “Well, that's a terrible disguise.” Illira spoke acidly as she approached the pair, "So it would seem that you both feel the need to also participate in this... revelry." “P-participate?” Antimony rocked back on her heels, eyes widening with a mix of affront and horror. “What, no! I would never participate in this kind of glorification of... it's not right.” Ulanan only shrugged, “I'm afraid I don't have Antimony's moral standards.” At that, Antimony crossed her arms and purses her lips, looking all around disapproving. Illira sniffed, "I should hope not. The days around Saint's Eve has some of the highest rates of crime in any given year. Folk seem to rather forget themselves." She glanced down briefly at Ulanan before looking back at Antimony. “There's nothing funny or entertaining about stepping outside one morning only to find voidsent and other sigils of death everywhere! As though the whole city had suddenly turned…” She couldn’t finish the sentence, throat tightening in distress. “I will do all that is possible to avoid stealing your purse, then,” Ulanan half-joked. “No. There isn't anything funny about the matter,” and at Illira’s agreement, Antimony seemed to rejoice. “And yet you are still with this... Lala, though she admits to participating in the... entertainment factor that this occasion has been spun into.” "Ulanan is..." Antimony sighed. “I do wish you would take this whole thing more seriously, Ulanan.” Ulanan turned around. “You are taking it too seriously. It's just costumes, not real monsters.” Antimony pointed across the plaza. "That certainly looks real! And even if it weren't... you don't just play with these things lightly!" Ulanan took off her mask with a fairly loud, disapproving groan. "Fine." Illira shook her head, "It does not matter. Folk like the idea of costumes. Easier to escape their responsibilities to society.” Antimony smiled apologetically at Ulanan. "I am sorry. I wouldn't want you to... well, who knows what you could summon on accident! Just by thinking it, just by wearing that mask!" Ulanan spoke first to Illira, "The disguises have nothing to do with escaping responsibilities and all to do with the celebration's traditions." She then turned to Antimony, "You couldn't summon anything without magic. It's just clothes." “The celebration of what?” Illira arched a brow. “Antimony speaks the truth. Death is not something to celebrate. It is a flimsy excuse.” “You would be surprised what a simple object can do,” Antimony replied with a solemn look. Thrusting her arms out, Ulanan cut them across the air in a display of disagreement. “What are you? An Ishgardian?” Illira peered down at the lalafell. “You are asking me?” Ulanan frowned. “No, I'm asking the little voidsent inside your head.” Antimony blinked at Ulanan and then at Illira. “What..?” Illira shook her head, "No. And I am not sure why you would assume so. I originate from Ul'dah.” “You have some terrible views of the locals. Just as Ishgardians.” “I make no secret that I am not a fan of Limsa's... quaint appeal as you might call it,” she shrugged. Antimony's ears tilted. "Ah, it's not... so bad a place. Just... uncomfortable on occasion." “Well, you have ruined my mood,” Ulanan announced and proceeded to pout. “Just. Uncomfortable? Pray tell.” “Oh, Ulanan,” Antimony sighed. “I didn't mean.. perhaps we should discuss something happier? Not this... evil?” She gestured around her. Ulanan crossed her arms over her costume. It looked uncomfortable. “Sure. Let's go to the inn so I can change back into something that doesn't trample all over your sensibilities.” Illira nodded, "Carry on then. Though I wish to speak to you later Antimony. There is an assignment for you." Antimony winced at Ulanan’s response, her tail twitching against one leg. "Alright. Perhaps there will be fewer... things everywhere." At Illira's words, her ears pricked up briefly. "Ah, really..? Of course! I'll make sure to be available!" “You could speak now while I change.” Illira shook her head. "I do not have the appropriate paperwork to go over with Antimony at the present time." “Well, then it was a pleasure to see you,” Ulanan announced. “If you excuse me, now...” Antimony watched the lalafell as she began to walk off for a moment, made as though to follow her, hesitated, and then to Illira, "Ah, I feel as though I should offer an invitation to you...?" Illira held up a hand. "No. And I would not accept. I have already had my fill of The Wench for one evening." Ulanan seemed to nod in approval at Illira's words. Antimony looked flustered for a moment and then, “Ah, well... alright then! Good evening, I suppose.” “Mmm, yes. You as well. But try not to have too much fun on this solemn time.” As her boss moved on, Antimony returned her attention to Ulanan, catching up to her friend quickly and clearing her throat uncertainly. "Ah, Ulanan, don't feel as though you have to change on my behalf. The mask alone should… help." Ulanan turned her head briefly to look at Antimony, but quickly returned to face forward, not stopping her stroll. “No, no. This outfit makes no sense without the mask.” “... Ulanan? Are you mad at me?” The question came faintly. Ulanan stopped, turned around and stared at Antimony. "Yes, I'm mad at you. So mad, in fact, that I will summon Ifrit!" Antimony's eyes widened. "What..! But I..." She trailed off, ears pressed flat against her head, and then after a pause, "... are you joking with me?" Not directly replying, Ulanan exclaimed, "Behold! I'm an allagan summoner!" and, with a swift movement, opened her book. A paper figurine resembling Ifrit stood out from between the pages like the fake statue that it was. Its construction was amateur at best, but it did manage enough of a likeness that its identity was more than apparent enough. The lalafell poked her tongue out and smiled. Antimony jumped when Ulanan opened the book, but a moment later she was torn between frowning and smiling. "That is... that is not funny!" Her tone said otherwise. Ulanan closed the book, crushing the figurine between the pages. “Well, let's not stand in the bridge. I'm hungry!” Antimony smiled after a moment. "Alright. I only hope the food has not been contaminated." “I'll have my Ifrit boil it until it is purified!” At this, Antimony could only chuckle bemusedly and follow Ulanan into the Drowning Wench. As they walked, the lalafell spoke, “Pick a table while I get changed into my ordinary clothes.” “Please watch your back!” She couldn’t help the flash of concern, what with demons still lurking around every corner. “Innkeep! The keys to my room. And...a mirror so I can watch my back. Literally.” Finding an empty table was difficult at this time of evening with so many revelers in high spirits. Antimony did her best to avoid the groups of costumed people as much as possible, finally locating a small table far off to one side of the tavern, tucked into a corner. She could still hear their cheers and jeers and scares – and smell the sharp, strange odors of the candies they’d brought with them – but perhaps with some distance she and Ulanan could at least stay clear of whatever curse they might accidentally invoke. She was so wrapped up in her judging of the celebrants that she didn’t notice Ulanan until the lalafell landed soundly in the chair next to her, having taken some kind of running leap up. Recovering from a brief fright, Antimony leaned and tilted her head so that she could see beneath Ulanan's broad-brimmed hat. “Oh, I should tell you that we will have three guests for tonight's dinner,” Ulanan announced. “... Three? Guests?” “Guests! Let me introduce you to them!” Antimony blinked in confusion. "Al...right." Ulanan opened the book she always carried and took out the Ifrit figurine, placing it on the table. It couldn’t stand on its own, so it fell down, looking more like a crumpled pile of paper than Ifrit now. “You know Ifrit-egi already! He likes lava and has a hot temper.” Antimony's ears went a little lopsided at the paper doll. "Ah... hello there, Ifrit-egi...?" Ulanan passed some more pages and took out another figurine. A yellow one, much bigger than the other. It's Titan! It looked unfinished, though, missing both arms. “And Titan-egi! He's feeling unfulfilled and incomplete, because he has no love in his life. So I also invited...” She removed a third figurine. This one was just a bird painted green. "Garuda-egi!" She placed it next to the others and left them there. Antimony quirked her mouth at all three likenesses. "Those are... very well-made, Ulanan." “I have a lot of free time! Now, what should we eat?” Ulanan clapped her hands together as she said this. Antimony glanced towards the ceiling. "Ah, well... most of what they serve here are... meat-related, I think." “It is quite a poor selection. We should get something with olives.” “Olives! Mm, from what I've seen they're fairly common here, so that shouldn't be a problem...” Antimony shook her head. "Fish. Yes... fish and olives?" Ulanan tapped her chin in thought. “You've been living here for some time. Any fish you recommend?” “Ah...” Grey ears swiveled about in indecision. “Have you tried mackerel? It's a little bland, but if they have olives it might... not that I'm an expert, that is!” “I'm not sure what a mackerel is. Does it fly?” “Fly...?” Antimony blinked. “Ah, well, I haven't actually... seen one in the water, so... I don't know. It does come on a plate, though! With, what was it... butter sauce?” “Is it a jellyfish?” Antimony furrowed her brow. "I... don't think so? It seems very... normal-fish-like?" “A jealous fisherman once fished jewel-shaped jellyfish. It was fishy: she fished the jellyfish shaped like jewels in the fishery where jewel-shaped jellyfish were shed by other jellyfish fishermen.” Ulanan took a breath, “So not fishing at all....where was I going with this...?” “Ah... I don't really know, I'm sorry.” Features twisted in befuddlement, Antimony added, "Perhaps I should just go order?" “Mm. Yes! I'm sure the mackerel will be delicious! Don't forget the olives.” She put great emphasis on the last part. Antimony flicked one ear. "Yes... olives. Of course." She stood then and approached the bar with the intention of ordering foodstuffs. This took longer than one might perhaps expect, and when Antimony returned, she was frowning. Ulanan blinked once. “Something's the matter?” “Ah... well, it seems they didn't have any of that mackerel. I hope that's alright... I'm not sure what "seabass" is, but certainly it's edible!” “It sounds like a drowned musician.” Antimony furrowed her brow in confusion. "A what? That's a horrible image!" “Well a bass is...actually, I shouldn't explain it. Here, have a more pleasant image!” Ulanan took up her egi cutouts and handed them to Antimony. The miqo’te woman stared at them as though she were not quite sure what to do with them, though she did hold each in her hands a bit awkwardly. “Did the awful image go away yet?” Ulanan queried. “These are... well, yes. I suppose it did.” Antimony chuckled. "I should thank you." “Yes, I provided a solution to the problem I created. I deserve your thanks.” Ulanan smiled sarcastically. “Oh, don't feel so bad about it.” Antimony held up the ifrit-egi paper figure, frowning at it. "These are very..." “Paper-y?” “Well, yes! I was going to say... ah, nevermind.” She set them all on the table between herself and Ulanan. “At least they are not made of linen.” Ulanan picked up the figurines and, with some finagling, managed to store them between the book's pages once more. "That would be a real catastrophe!" “That... would? Well, I don't think they would hold up quite as well at least.” Ulanan shook her head, her eyes fixed at the table's light. "They would look, feel and sound awful! The thing of nightmares. The thing that ruins perfectly planned weddings!" Antimony blinked. "I... is linen that bad?" “Well...” Ulanan seemed to give this considerable thought. “I guess it's acceptable as long as it's not clothes.” Antimony quirked one brow at Ulanan, peered at her as though trying to figure something out, and then ultimately shrugged. “If you say so. Ah, our food!” She flashed a smile at the waitress who totally just brought tasty dinners to their table. Ulanan tipped the waitress who was totally there a moment ago. “Let's see how this 'seabass' tastes...” Across the table, Antimony prodded at the fish, which came out mostly whole and fileted, with a fork. Olives covered it, just as ordered! Ulanan was summarily impressed by the service, and the two of them had a lovely, non-ghoulish dinner.

Argh, I don't... know celebrities well enough to be able to do any kind of productive google search for a question like this. ._. And I'm not sure I'd find anyone... plain-looking enough.

This sounds fantastically and diabolically evilawesome. Mad (it's legitimate!) science, questionable moral boundaries, psychological complexities - all stuff I love to see in RP! >:3

((More RP!)) *** It was the seventh sun of the new moon. Or the eighth sun of the last moon. D'hein didn't remember the day. Last time he checked it was a sun during a moon and it was almost time for his moonly de-cluttering of the office, and since he hadn't done it yet he decided that if he did this presently, he would either be doing it acceptably early, on time, or slightly late. No matter the case, it was a prudent time to ritually de-clutter the office as he always did on around this particular sun of every other moon or so, or in some similar scale he'd set up and then managed to forget the particulars of. The task was simply looking at each paper, deciding if it was important enough to keep, and then placing it in a corresponding pile. The sunlight pouring into the front office of the CRA headquarters in Limsa found his red-robed back hunched over multiple piles of papers on the floor which ringed his desk like Lalafell huddled about a campfire. The piles were labeled such: very important; important; kind of important; keep-if-there's room; read these over again before throwing them out; undecipherable; keep these for personal records and tell no one; and finally the pile of trash. There were three pieces of paper in the trash pile. The others were all fairly heavy. There was no internal organization to any of them. Despite this, D'hein looked much focused and respectably dutiful about forming these piles. Two full glasses of milk sat off to the side, as though spectators. One half-full glass sat helpless alongside the first two. An empty glass, its fate now part of history, lay on its side against the wall. The CRA's representative within the Shroud did not make a habit of traveling to Limsa. She didn't like the open sky, almost as much as she didn't like wandering about under a glaring sun, and visiting the agency's main office always meant altering her sleep schedule in a way that left her short-tempered. More so than usual, at least. Still, it was likely wise to check in before returning back north, and so Sah'ot entered the office without preamble and without any care as to who might be inside or what they may be doing. She wore lighter clothes than her usual armor, though still padded in a defensive nature, and so moved with an even greater silence than usual. If not for the soft clicking of the door, nothing would have belied her entrance. Rather than announce herself, she crossed her arms and stood next to the door, arching a derisive brow at D'hein's back. Busy with his work, D'hein did not hear or observe Sah'ot's entrance. He was pouring over a record regarding... cloth exports? But why was there a lion? No, that was linen. Or lichen. Wait, this is an alchemical supplies manifest. Or cooking? Cooking might be interesting! He put that piece of paper in the Keep-If-There's-Room pile. Then he frowned at a new scent in the air and muttered aloud, ears shifting, "Why do I smell pine and antelopes?" He began to dig through the papers as though they may be the source of the smell. "You must've ruined your nose with all of that milk," the Keeper responded smoothly. D'hein very suddenly jumped to his feet at the voice, spinning and dashing one of the larger piles with his tail so violently that a mess of paper was thrown into his glasses of milk, knocking every one of them over and soaking most of the pages through. For a few brief moments, there was disagreement within D'hein as to whether Sah'ot's appearance or the event with the milk and the papers was more worth his attention. He shifted one way and the other and his eyes twitched in a number of directions. Finally, with a frustrated hiss of "Twelve be damned! Always!" he dashed to the tragic scene against the wall, lifting pages from a fast-spreading puddle of milk. "That was the important pile. Dammit." And a quick look cast at Sah'ot, "Sneaky nuisance!" "I see you've also ruined your papers with it." A smirk tugged at the corners of Sah'ot's mouth as she spoke, "A shame, but to be expected." "This is your doing!" He pointed at her with a few sheets that still dripped with milk. The gesture was quick, and he used it to toss a few drops of milk at her face. "Shouldn't you be in bed, little insomniac?" Sah'ot sneered, wiping her nose free of the milk. "You only have yourself to blame for your poor senses and your poor tactical skills. Anyone with half a brain could predict what just happened." There was a click on the door's knob as the door opened, followed by heavy footsteps. Ildur had always been a loud Hyur as far as interacting with objects went, and this time was no different. He lingered with the door open for a moment, possibly admiring D'hein's milky disaster. The Hyur was wearing what could, in some places, pass as a coat of the Maelstorm. "Is this a bad time?" he said. "No, no, it's an excellent time!" D'hein threw his hands in the air, "Unless you're going to be throwing my papers around like she is, then it is a very bad time and you should come back later." Sah'ot laughed shortly at that, unkindly. "Learn to control your tail instead of behaving like some freshly weaned whelp and maybe you wouldn't have so many accidents." D'hein flicked more pages -- and more milk -- at Sah'ot, "I think we both know this was your doing. You snuck up on me deliberately!" Ildur closed the door behind him, sparing Sah'ot a short glance and an even shorter nod. He looked at D'hein. "You will put this grudge on hold. I have received an informal complain about you, D'hein, and I'd like to speak with you about it." Sah'ot had taken a threatening step forward in the wake of the second milk assault, but Ildur's words held her back. Instead, both brows lifted and then she smiled in a way that displayed her fangs. "Well that's a surprise." Adjusting his posture and letting his arms go proudly limp at this side, D'hein shook at his mane and turned both of his eyes towards Ildur, theough they were still set in a crooked quirk. "I don't understand? Who would have cause to submit complaint?" The Hyur took a few steps forward toward him. "Miss Antimony." he said plainly. Sah'ot moved then so that she was positioned out of the way, a few feet to the side of Ildur and D'hein, and then settled in for a good listen. His ears fell back on his head and his face curved down into a frown, then into an awkward smile, then frowned again. And then a light went on and for some reason he got all happy and excited, "Oh! Yes, I'm sure it's about-! Oh," and he looked confused again. "Wait. No. This is a very odd turn. What?" "I understand then that you have no idea of what she could have complained about." "He can't even keep his milk out of his paperwork," Sah'ot commented idly, with a look of pure satisfaction. D'hein bit off a growl at Sah'ot, "That's your doing! Yours!" And then, to Ildur, "Well I'm sure I've done nothing to warrant complaint! As with anyone else, my dealings with Antimony have been gracious and benevolent. I've gone to extra lengths to behave honorably and helpfully in her case, actually!" Ildur frowned. "Does that include following her and invading her privacy?" At this, D'hein’s ears kicked back and his face went stoic. For just a moment. Then the distress fled and he instead looked thoughtful. "Hm." And he looked thoughtful for a long time. In fact he did not speak in answer, so deep and length was his pondering. He continued to ponder in silence. Ildur let D'hein think longly, perhaps hoping that he'd have an answer eventually. When it became obvious there was going to be no answer, he spoke. "Tell me why you have...gone "extra lengths" to behave honorably with her." At Ildur's voice, D'hein proclaimed, "Oh, to the former, I have but no to the latter! Actually its- what? Uhm." His ears shifted about and his eyes sat wide in an indeterminate expression. "Oh, new question! Because she's so very helpless and clueless and needs the extra effort or she'll just fall apart! She's very prone to it, and I, as a Man of the Dodo am bound to help her however I can! I must!" "You are not in your crude tribe anymore, D'hein." Ildur answered, his tone neutral albeit his brow was frowned. "You can tell me what it is that that you did when you followed her, now." "Thal take you," D'hein spat, and turned sideways to Ildur. Speaking the curse, oddly enough, put a wry smile on his face, "I thought you above racism. Not all tribes huddle in tents and pray to rocks to keep the beasts off their necks. As for when I followed her, it was to that seedy bar in Limsa. She went alone and unprotected to a pirate dive. I was protecting her, and I did well. There was violence. I solved it. She and I resolved not to speak of the matter further." Ildur nodded once. "She mentioned you used the Agency's linkpearls to contact her about 'personal matters'. Was that before or after this incident you just spoke of?" "Oh, that! Far, far after. And hardly her place to complain of such a minor trespass." D'hein waved that off. "Is this really the heart of her complaint, Ildur? Don't dance around it. You've not the figure for dancing." "However minor this was for you, it was not so to her. I'd appreciate if you didn't repeat these very selfless and honorable actions in the future." "Selfless and honorable? It sounds more like naiive and overbearing," Sah'ot finally intruded, in part to just remind D'hein of her presence and in part because who could pass up this kind of an opportunity? She grinned toothily. "I've no need to repeat them," D'hein replied to Ildur, "They are done. All of my present intentions regarding Antimony are strictly professional and wholly callous. And I would be shocked," D'hein turned to Sah'ot, "If whatever vague culture you poachers boast even has a notion of honor." "I'll leave you in suspense, then. Wouldn't want you to ruin more of your papers from shock," Sah'ot sneered, tail lashing behind her. Ildur's lips tightened into a line. He chuckled. "That is quite racist of you, D'hein." He shook his head. "But it is good to see this matter is settled." "Bah," D'hein shifted about in frustration and pumped his arms a bit. He turned to look at the papers that had been knocked down, then to Sah'ot, then to the papers still in piles, then to Ildur, before saying, "You're all as bad as Illira sometimes." "Oh, no." Ildur said, raising a hand. "Do you think Illira would have settled this matter so painlessly? And in such short time?" "Maybe." He thought. "No." And then, moving his haw about oddly, "I doubt Antimony would be satisfied. You didn't even make me feel chided!" Sah'ot bit back a snicker, tail twitching with entertainment. "I can remedy that." He cleared his throat with a short chough and raised one finger. "Don't do this with any of our employees again. In fact, try to not do it with anyone. And for the love of whatever gods you worship, please don't boast about it." Smiling, D'hein provided helpfully, "Azeyma." Ildur turned around towards the door. "We should reunite someday to discuss the merits of your perfectly honorable and advanced tribe." he said, his words leaking sarcasm. "I don't think that counts as a proper chiding," Sah'ot said with some disappointment. Not missing Ildur's sarcasm, D'hein nonetheless responded, "Oh, I'm sure it'll come up," and then, to Sah'ot, "You're free to try if you think you can do better." "Not worth my time," she dismissed. "Nor is being here, for that matter. Some of us have work to get to." And she moved towards the door as well. "Oh, you're just-" D'hein once again pointed accusingly at Sah'ot, "You really did just come here to sneak up on me!" The Keeper flashed a fanged grin at D'hein and said nothing else in response. Ildur opened the door and held it open for Sah'ot, moving out of the way so she could pass. "I'm sure she only wanted to keep you safe from danger." "She ruined my filing system!" He gestured to the piles of paper on the floor. And then, belatedly, he snapped angrily, "And she owes me fresh milk, dammit!" Sah'ot lifted one hand in farewell and just walked out the door, tail swishing behind her like she was the epitome of cool. "I will collect one day, Keeper!" D'hein shouted, and thrust a hand in the air, "ONE DAY!" "Have a good evening, D'hein." Ildur said before leaving the office and closing the door behind him. Alone in the middle of his papers, the disaster off to one side, D'hein stood still for a long moment. He frowned at first, then shrugged and let go over his frustration. Pacing over to the ruined pile, he began to look over the pages and after a moment muttered, "Wait. This isn't the important pile." And then another moment later, "What pile was this?" Looking around in confusion, "Why are there seven piles? That wasn't the-" he tossed the papers in the middle of the floor. "Whatever. No milk, no work." Then, he left.

((The following is copy-pasta'd from in-game RP!)) *** Evening had begun to fall over Limsa Lominsa. The salt in the air had garnered that sharp tang that seemed to rise up just before the relative chill of night, and the ocean below the city’s many walkways had begun to churn with the rising tide. Far above this, tucked away in a small side path carved into the stone, Ildur stood, hands behind his back, watching over the city like a captain looked at his ship. Or at someone else's ship, more accurately. Not far, the path would meet a wooden bridge, and across this bridge walked one Antimony Jhanhi, her eyes on the wooden slats a few steps ahead of her. She paused at the end, upon catching sight of the by now familiar hyur, to take a deep breath and then approach Ildur. “Excuse me, Mister Vaernian,” she ventured, after closing enough distance that she didn’t have to raise her voice to be heard over the constant white noise of the ocean. Ildur turned around without changing his posture much and smiled slightly. "Good evening, miss Antimony." Antimony bowed her head briefly, clasping her hands in front of her. "Yes, good. It's been pleasant, no storming since the morning and... ah. Excuse me." “It's alright,” the man brushed off her stumbling. “I think there was something you wished to discuss with me?” Antimony's ears flicked up and down and she looked out over the wall before responding, "Well, yes. Though... perhaps I should have written a report to turn in first... ah, blast it, I wasn't thinking." Behind her glasses, green eyes frowned in frustration. “Perhaps that won't be necessary. Tell me what is it and we will figure out if a written report is required.” Antimony pursed her lips in thought, her tail twitching anxiously behind her. "First, I want to make it clear that I do, ah, respect the authority of yourself and the other members of the CRA's council. And the organization itself. This--this has nothing to do with the work I've done or... you've done. We've done? But, yes!” Her hands clasped in front of her at her waist to still whatever fidgeting they’d been about to begin. “It's just that, I'm sure you have a code of behavior for members of the agency and.. I'm concerned one of them is not, ah, following... it.” Ildur tilted his head very slightly to a side, brows lowering. "Someone in the directive council, you mean?" Antimony furrowed her brow worriedly. "Well... plainly put, yes." Raising one hand to rub his eyes exactly once, Ildur mused, "I see." He looked straight to Antimony. "Would you mind telling me who and what he -or she- did?" “Is this... this isn't something I should have brought up here, is it,” her hands worried one another. “I prefer this to a written report. We would have had to speak personally sooner or later, in that case.” Antimony sighed and adjusted her glasses, ears flicking back against her skull. "Of course. I understand. Ah, as for your question..." She hesitated and then, "Well, it's D'hein. His behavior towards me has become extremely troubling." Silence. “Go on.” Antimony looked to one side uncomfortably for a moment and then back at Ildur. "I'm still not sure how he managed it, but a few weeks back he followed me without my knowledge while on an outing to meet with a friend. He eventually, ah, disrupted that meeting, but... well, that wouldn't be quite so notable except that he felt the need to follow me, in secret!” She hesitated again before adding with a beseeching look, “There was an... ah, altercation there, but that's not part of my complaint. He seems to have no sense of respect for my privacy!” Ildur didn’t look particularly distressed or even surprised by that. "That's quite a severe statement, what you are saying. Are you sure he was following you and not there just by chance?" Antimony shook her head. "No, he outright admitted he'd done as such. But that's not the only time he's behaved inappropriately. Not a week ago, he used the agency's linkpearl to contact me about personal matters! And... had the gall to intrude upon my home and speak of... speak of...” She frowned heavily and tossed her head back and forth, dispelling a clearly disturbing thought. "At any rate, his behavior is not appropriate for one in his professional position." Ildur thought for a moment before talking, "I understand your worry, miss Antimony. I will speak to him about this matter and see that he does not trouble you anymore.” “You will?” Mild disbelief, and then, “I mean, of course you will! I would expect nothing less. Perhaps more.” “At the same time, I ask for your patience. I will not make excuses for him, if what you tell me is true, but he is still a respected member of the Agency. I would not like this matter to be discussed again until I can figure it out.” Ildur closed his eyes. "Or until he does something like it again." Antimony took in a deep breath, her tail whipping behind her once at Ildur's amendment. "I... suppose that is as fair as one can expect. I must emphasize the degree of distress his actions have brought me. Were he to persist, I..." She paused and her ears drooped. "I will hope that he does not." “He will not. I will speak with him about this matter as soon as possible.” Antimony bowed just slightly, “Thank you for taking the time to acknowledge and deal with this issue.” “ It is my duty. Please, do not hesitate to bring this up if it ever becomes an issue again,” he advised. “I will let you know what comes from this after I have spoken with him and, possibly, the other members of the council.” Frowning, she nodded. "I understand I may not have... endeared myself to some. I wish to apologize for that, as it was not my intent. I only want to work in peace." Ildur nodded once. "I understand. Do not worry yourself with such matters. Miss Carceri can be quite strict and demanding, but so are those who expect everyone else to be the best they can be." Smiling, “Ah, I feel much better now that this is in your hands. But, unless there's anything else you need...?” “No, that will be all for the time being.” Again she bent her body into a slight bow. "Thank you again, then. And, ah, have a pleasant evening." “Farewell, miss Antimony. Thank you for bringing this up to me.”

((Though plot-wise unrelated, for time line's sake, this occurs either during or shortly after Pudding is Best With Friends. The following is c/ped from RP done in-game.)) *** Atop one of the walls bordering the massive drydocks of Moraby Bay, overlooking the hollowed out skeleton of a ship in waiting, the narrow form of an armor-bound Wildwood leaned slightly into the short stone wall behind her, glancing down the long tower to the docking pier, before returning her attention back up. "So. This is quite the meeting place. I would almost think this is more attention worthy than a simple tavern," she drawls to the men occupying the same tower stand. Standing in the opposite corner, broad shoulders turned to face out across an impressive vista of ocean and cliffside, a voice rumbled out from a greyed skull, “I just liked the views.” “We don't always have to hide,” spoke a third, whose height and extra limb, not to mention animated, furred ears, spoke to his heritage. “There's a great deal of business coming through Moraby. Legitimate business.” “Correction, sir. We do not have anything to hide. Or at least, I do not.” The Wildwood, one Illira Carceri of the Commerce Regulation Agency, narrowed her eyes at the miqo’te. D'hein chuckled, stretching where he stood. "You're just making my point stronger than I did. Have an original thought sometime." The hefty hyur, Ildur Vaernian, turned around to gaze into the distance. He sighed, perhaps annoyed at the current weather, or at his companions’ bickering. Illira shrugged, "It is... nice to smell the sea air I suppose. For a change. As rancid as it is." “Not that different from Limsa,” Ildur commented. “Oh, you misunderstand. It’s the same there. I just try to avoid it, not embrace it.” She sighed, "Its fine. Was Sah'ot not supposed to join us, though?" “It's got a spirit of industry about her that a businessman like me appreciates. Someone like Illira prefers perfum, flowers, pillows. Am I right?” The jab fell readily from the miqo’te’s lips. Illira cast an annoyed look to D’hein’s way, "Are you not mistaken? I could have sworn I smelled a new floral scent wafting from you this evening." D'hein puffed up proudly, "Well, yes. Such beauty is a gem of a lively economy. But I'm not the one calling the ocean rancid, am I?" From a covered landing, a fourth approached the group with surprising silence despite her armored gear, stopping at the top of the stairs and crossing her arms to look between the three. Bright, yellow eyes practically glowed against dark skin. Ildur turned around, noting the new arrival. "...we have some matters to discuss, don't we?" Illira snorted, "No. But you are also a domestic Ti..." She trailed of as Ildur spoke, "Yes." She straightened, "Of course." D'hein briefly narrowed his eyes at Illira, but smiled at her. The expression dropped from his face as he looked over to the new miqo’te, "Ah, hello, insomniac. Sleeping well?" Sah'ot Kith spared D'hein a brief, narrow-eyed look before nodding at Ildur. "I wouldn't be here if we didn't." D'hein grinned at how Sah'ot ignored him, then looked back to Ildur, "If we're discussing business, why's she here? Girdania's a quaint mess of tree houses and shrubs: fun to dabble in. But you wouldn't want to give her a false sense of importance." “Have you looked at a map recently, D'hein?” The hyur questioned dubiously. “The Black Shroud is of primordial strategic importance, sitting right between Ala Mhigo and Ul'dah. Not to mention the Calamity has caused quite a financial catastrophe, as much as the Padjai like to think the Elementals are the ones keeping them afloat.” Sah'ot smirked at that. "Untapped wealth, if you want." “There's some truth to that,” D’hein acknowledged. “It's a bit of a joke, though, to have an industry controlled by the whims of natural forces. Any given businessman will not only close up shop, but give himself over to execution if the wind blows the wrong way! Literally. I'd sooner do business with Ishgard.” “Are they really natural, though?” Ildur mused. “That is something I've been asking myself.” Illira shook her head, "Its economic instability means that it’s a desperate area, with desperate peoples. If the Padjai are, for instance, not as 'self' reliant as they believe, they will start to move in on the outer towns.” “The elementals are just like any primal,” Sah’ot replied, with a slight hiss to her voice. “But I get that you pencil pushers would rather hole up in the comforts of Ul'dah.” D'hein turned a challenging smile to the other miqo’te, "Yes, because the bodies don't pile up there. No, what I'd rather see is those malformed hyur abominations out of power. But that's the businessman in me talking." Pulling her lips back in a brief flash of fang, she then looked deliberately to Ildur. "Business, then." “Hmm,” Illira wondered. “Sounds more personal than anything else. But. They should be controlled, harnessed. So that they're troubles are to are advantage." D'hein bit out a quick statement at Illira, "It's hard to make a profit when bartering with a Padjal. I dislike them." To this, Illira smirked confidently his way. Ildur spoke then, “The Gridanians have quite a large debt with Ul'dah. I'm sure we can use that to our advantage.” “That's because the Padjal don't barter,” and those yellow eyes flashed. “As they say, "You make no deals with the elements, only supplication." Or control.” “Then you would prefer to take them out, and let the opportunity of regional instability slip through our hands?” Illira sounded unconvinced. D'hein squinted at Illira, his expression indeterminate, "What do you mean?" For the moment, Ildur kept quiet. Illira, however, raised her brows slightly, leaning back against the wall once more, "If the area is in disarray, and the Padjai are not getting what they need, which from the reports that I have seen from the area concerning Padjai attacks on caravans is the truth, then they will start to do more than simply raid a couple of merchants. Why not nudge and harness their own desperation by funneling their energy towards targets that are... more useful to us and the continued destabilization of the area... to prepare for our own causes' needs." D'hein turned to Sah'ot and said, "Padjal attacks... I haven't heard about this before now! What's going on in that crazy forest of yours?" Sah'ot laughed at that, short and rough. "The Padjal and the elementals are practically one and the same, if you think about it. So yes, I guess you could consider them Padjal attacks... or Padjal-sanctioned attacks. Don't you know - if it's the will of the elementals, they'll let a starving child die." “So I've heard,” D’hein acknowledged somberly. “Limsa and Ul'dah are twisted in their own ways. Gridania has its own gruesome turn.” “Merchants have been attacked by the wild life in the Black Shroud. A few of them were under our regulation. Then one of our accountants was attacked.” Ildur placed his hands behind his back. "Gridania will not do anything about it. The 'woodwrath' is just a death sentence in their book, and so don't feel compelled to make amends for the lives and resources lost." “But if we go in and try to help those the elementals damn, the Twin Adders will call us foe!” D’hein bemoaned. “How can we act if the Grand Companies are under the thumb of elementals?” “There may be little to do officially, but,” Sah’ot paused, considering, “Ala Mhigo may be a friend here. They've refugees trying to take root in the Shroud.” “Run-offs from Ul'dah,” D’hein scoffed. “I'm sure they're just as unwelcome there.” Illira nodded her head, "I'm sure they could be encouraged." The Keeper amongst them continued, “The Coerlclaw would side with them, I'm certain of it. But... Gridania doesn't exactly look kindly on them either.” “For good reason. Complaining about the status quo is one thing. But living in the woods as poachers, killing innocent people just for violating your territory is an extreme we don't want to go anywhere near.” D'hein added with a smrik, "Your presence notwithstanding." Sah'ot smirked back unabashedly. Ildur spoke then, interrupting whatever staring match the two had been about to launch into, “Rousing the poachers and the refugees in the present state of affairs would only result in unnecessary hostilities with no hope for their success. No, we have to study this woodwrath and find ways to undermine it.” “It's like Illira said,” D’hein shrugged. “The elementals are primals. They need to be purged just like those worshipped by the beast tribes.” Sah'ot only blinked at Ildur. "Study the woodwrath. I hope you have a lot of ready volunteers." “I have just hired a couple of Gridanians, in fact, that are bound by contract to escort whichever scholar we send to that end,” the hyur countered with satisfaction. “Did you have one in mind?” Illira questioned. “Or do we need to recruit someone to move into that area?” Sah'ot frowned. "Depends on whether or not you want your scholar to be a victim." At that, Illira only shrugged. “Why would we want that?” Ildur gave D'hein a look, seeking for support. "Would we want such a thing to happen?" “We do not wish for victims,” Illira clarified, “but there is an inherent danger in the mission at hand.” “Which is why there are bodyguards,” D’hein seemed satisfied with that state of affairs already. With a brooding expression, Sah’ot spoke, “Someone familiar with the Shroud already would be less likely to fall victim.” Taking a step away from his spot against the wall, then another to the side and back again, Ildur said, “While having our own researcher would be quite convenient, I'm afraid we don't have one yet. Until then, I'd seek other organizations and Free Companies that could have some interest in doing some preliminary research for us. At least until we get our own people there.” To this Sah'ot folded her arms and nodded. “Well then,” D’hein chuffed, “I guess it would be up to the poacher over here to find out who's active in that area and if they can help.” “This "poacher" knows how to do her job,” Sah’ot shot back. “Anything else?” “Nothing else from my side of the pie.” Ildur looked at Illira and then at D'hein, expecting them to say something. D'hein glanced over at Illira, "I've got an action item to discuss with you, but it doesn't need to involve everyone here." Illira frowned slightly, "And what would such an... action item be about? Nothing untoward, I hope?" “All professional, unfortunately. Typical goings on in Ul'dah.” Unconvinced, Illira replied, “Most things involving Ul'dah are... less than desirable.” Sah'ot's tail flicked behind her. "I'll leave you all to your... sleep, then. Expect word from the Shroud soon." Not one to mince words, she turned and began to walk away. D'hein did not spare her any farewells. Ildur, however, raised one hand. "That will be all, then. Have a good evening." Illira watched Sah'ot walk down the ramp, before pushing herself off of the slight wall she had been leaning against, walking towards D'hein and Ildur.

Ulanan's torso was inclined forward, looking into the pot where the orange pudding was being prepared. She hummed a tune, lowly. Standing between the stove and the small table that served as both office space and an eating surface, Antimony sighed after a period of silence in the home and said, "I'm sorry. I'm afraid I'm no good at small talk. Ulanan is my only visitor usually and she... well, she's reading more often than not." She offered an awkward smile at Alcor. Alcor watched Ulanan stir the pot of 'pudding'. He shook his head, "No worries. But... since it be a while afore the food is done, there aren't any appetizers or anythin'? I wouldn' be askin' but I think my stomach is about' ta commit mutiny if it ain't gettin' anythin soon." “Mutiny! Ah, well, that's... I mean, I don't have anything specifically prepared, but... certainly I have something. Oh, I should've thought of the time it would take...” Antimony's ears flattened against her head and she spun around to go rifling through her small pantry. Meanwhile, Megiddo paced over towards the table, extracted a number of shriveled berries from his pocket, and held them out to Alcor in one stained glove. ”Hold your sailors and keep them in the boat. This will be ready in just a minute.” Alcor felt, rather than saw the presence of the old man's hand next to him. His gaze shifted down to the offered berries. Sniffing for a moment he says, "I think those would rather be exacer-batin' the problem, sir." Megiddo gave Alcor a bit of a bemused look, "I can't imagine what you mean. Unless they don't live up to your standards." He returned the mess of berries to his pocket, except for one which he popped into his mouth as he stepped away. In her search through the pantry, Antimony had found mostly bulk foods - beans and a few different types of grains - until suddenly she straightened, winced, and touched her back with one hand, and then carefully turned back around. In the other, she held the remains of a loaf of bread on a platter. A few days old, but still definitely edible. “It isn't much, but perhaps this will do...?” she ventured with some hope. Still busy at her cooking, Ulanan left the spoon on the counter and moved to the near shelf to retrieve some kitchen mitts. Alcor smiled at Antimony, reaching over to the part of a loaf of bread, tearing off a chunk with his bare hands, "Ahm sure it’s fine. Be eatin' most things at this point." Megiddo leaned against the wall, crossed his old arms, and looked vaguely dubious at that. Ulanan climbed atop the counter once again, kitchen mitts over her hands...and then took them off. Instead, she used the spoon to serve the still hot pudding into individual cups, all the while shaking her head to herself. Alcor bit into the slightly stale bread, finding it rather hard to chew, but he did so anyway. Antimony smiled uncertainly and then remembered she was still holding the tray and so set it down on the table in a hurry. Megiddo noted Ulanan's movement and gesture, and commented, "If it hasn't turned out right, lie and say it has. None of us will know the difference." “But now that you have mentioned it, everyone will doubt me, even if I say the truth,” Ulanan protested. “Oh!” Antimony cast a concerned look in her friend’s direction. “Surely it's fine, Ulanan, and... if it isn't, well, that's only thanks to my own lack of preparation.” “They'll believe you if you're a decent liar.” Alcor still gnawed on his bread, though he eventually managed to swallow it, "No reason ta be shy 'bou the puddin'. We are all just hungry round here." Ulanan spared Megiddo a disappointed frown before turning to Antimony and pointing to the other side of the room. "Can you get the book on top of that pile for me?" “I'm sure it's fine, really. No lying will be necessary!” Antimony placated and then turned to oblige Ulanan's request. Antimony moved over to a few shelves, upon which were piled numerous books. She took the one atop the tallest pile - hopefully the one Ulanan pointed at, but there were multiple piles! - and turned back to the group. Ulanan looked at Alcor, “I'm sorry to have starved you. I will remedy that.” “What do you need... ah, a book on aetherflow for, Ulanan?” Antimony held it out to the lalafell curiously. Ulanan plucked book from the miqo’te woman’s hands, opened it, and flicked through the pages. "For pudding, of course!" Antimony's ears went lopsided in confusion at that. Alcor narrowed his eyes at the fancy book, "Did... you forget an ingredient or some-at?" “Is there a mystical step in the crafting of this pudding?” Megiddo, too, queried. “We could wait for this desert to cool down. Or we could force it to,” Ulanan declared as she adopted a somewhat exaggerated dramatic pose, placing the book high above the cups, facing down. “In Gridania they would call that interfering with the natural order and throw you in prison for it,” Megiddo observed. ”And that's why Gridania's caves are so full of living pudding slimes,” Ulanan retorted. Antimony chuckled a bit nervously at the thought of the lalafell casting such spells in her home. "Be careful not to freeze it..." A sharp chill shivered through the flat for only a few seconds before aether crackled across the book’s pages and then Ulanan dropped from the counter. "Now we need small spoons!" Alcor chuckled, "Small spoons?" “Small? Ah, well... I have normal spoons...” “Of course,” the lalafell nodded. “Do you want to eat pudding with a big wooden spoon instead? Normal is small enough.” Antimony furrowed her brow and turned to a cupboard by the kitchenette. Pursing her lips, she rummaged for a bit before locating three spoons. Ulanan reached for the cups, holding the four of them between her arm and her chest. Then she turned around to place them on the table. Megiddo waited silently, arms crossed, distant. “Ah... slight problem,” Antimony began, and then, “… wait! No, not a problem. Not at all. I'll just...” She turned back around and, very quickly, set a spoon next to Alcor's and Ulanan's cups, while the third she bussed over to Megiddo. “Problem?” Alcor raised a brow. “No problem!” “But... you just said...” The hyur began. Ulanan looked up to Megiddo. “Pudding?” Megiddo took a cup from Ulanan, but to Antimony he said, "I wouldn't know what to do with a spoon." “What?” Antimony blinked. “Nonsense. I can't ask a guest to go without utensils! That... violates some kind of code, right?” She was certain it did, even if she had no idea what kinds of codes there were. Civilized cities had codes for these kinds of things, right? Alcor raised his brows, "Not sure how he plans ta be eatin' puddin' without one. Unless he'd prefer a fork?" “Desserts are eaten with spoons. Unless it's cake. Then forks are better suited for the task.” Ulanan lifted a finger as she lectured everyone on eating etiquette. Antimony held out the spoon to Megiddo. "I must insist you take it!" The elezen blinked back at her and shrugged, "I wouldn't know any codes between host and guest. The concept is wasted on me. Unfortunately, I'm more comfortable without it." He held the cup in his hands and made no move to change his plans. “We will educate you. Just follow my lead!” With this, Ulanan turned around to pick up her cup and spoon. “I've no interest in being educated.” “And where'd ya be from ta not know how to use a spoon? Used all round Eorzea they are." Megiddo sounded to be getting a bit grumpy, "From a place where one is not interrogated regarding it." Antimony opened her mouth as though to protest, then closed it, frowned, shifted her ears about in conflict, and finally sighed. "If you insist..." She turned back to the table, spoon in hand. Ulanan demostrated the use of a spoon with dramatic flair, placing perhaps too much attention on her movements, pausing them between directions. "First, you take the spoon like this. Then, you stab the pudding with the spoon. Raise it...then eat!" Megiddo looked down at Ulanan and says as politely as possible, "Thank you, but you can go and eat your pudding." Antimony looked around the room then and cast about for something to save this moment. "How is... ah! How does it taste? Alcor? Ulanan? ... Megiddo?" Alcor waved his hand towards the Duskwright, "Let 'em be. He's obviously set in his ways." He pulled one of the pudding towards him, dipping his spoon into it and tasting. Ulanan curled up the hand holding the spoon into a fist and placed it against her hip, pouting. “It's not difficult! This is the easiest education besides mathematics.” Megiddo ignored Ulanan's pouting, raising his cup to his face and sniffing at it. "Citrus and lard." “Ah, well, those would be two of the main ingredients I suppose...” Antimony accommodated a bit awkwardly. Alcor shrugged, "Its fine. Better than a lot of ship food still." Ulanan tried to hide her annoyance at Mediggo by eating her pudding like a lady. She was taking a lot of time with this. Antimony continued looking between Alcor, Ulanan, and Megiddo, expression intent, searching. Even still, Megiddo didn’t taste his pudding. The sniff seemed to have been enough. "It's pleasant." Alcor raised his brow at Anti, "Its fine, promise. You ain't tryin any?" Antimony smiled broadly suddenly, as though somehow satisfied by what she’d seen and heard – or perhaps just desperate to keep things moving and positive - and moved to swoop up her own cup. "Well then! Let's all dig in and enjoy this wonderful meal Ulanan has crafted for us." It seemed she strangely took more pleasure in just announcing that than actually eating the pudding. Ulanan was still eating pudding. She really was taking her time with this. “It's wonderful to see you all at the table like this!” Antimony declared, as though the people in her home weren’t a vagrant, a vagabond, and a possibly once-murderous wandering lalafell. “Well, not specifically at the table, as Megiddo lingers over by the wall, but... we are all in one place! And that is... a good thing? Yes, a good thing.” She nodded strongly. Alcor continued to eat more of the pudding, his eyes crinkling slightly at the sides as he did so, "Hmm? Yes. I suppose it is." “We should share stories to supplement this standard social scene,” Ulanan suggested, perhaps wisely. Perhaps not. “It is wise to treasure fellowship of any kind,” Megiddo agreed. “Storytelling is traditional in many such congregations.” “Ah! Excellent idea, Ulanan! That sounds... certainly appropriate.” Looking to her guests, Antimony smiled expectantly. Turning to Alcor with a smile, Ulanan continued, “A seaman like yourself will surely have a great assortment of stories to share.” Alcor glanced over at the Lalafell, "Stories? Ain't too much of interest to most folks. Now... The one who doesn't know spoons? There would be a story behind that." “I would love to hear a story from all of you!” Antimony declared with deliberate wholesomeness. “There's no story to not knowing how to use spoons. I had no use for it and not knowing how to use it made it easier to reject, so Antimony could have a spoon of her own.” Megiddo pondered for a moment. "I suppose that's the story of the time I lied about not knowing how to use a spoon." Ulanan laughed at that. Alcor only commented amenably, “Ah... knew there was a story there.” Megiddo smiled warmly. Antimony Jhanhi wrinkled her brow a bit contritely, but chuckled despite it, making the expression rather odd. "Ah, you shouldn't feel as though you need to do such things... I could just as well drink this, I'm sure." “That was quite the gentleman's gesture! Though you get less merit because of the lie.” Ulanan nodded with emphasis. “I would mourn that if I gave merit any weight, but then I would be a more unhappy person, so I do not.” Antimony blinked and glances at Ulanan. "Are you tallying points?" “Uhm...no...?” Alcor ate a little more of the sour pudding, "She probably is, seems like the sort of thing she would be a doin'" “Mm,” Antimony hummed in thought, letting the passing confusion of Ulanan’s comment slide. “Well, normally I wouldn't count that as a story, Megiddo, but I suppose it was something new, so...” “You don't want any of my real stories. They would ruin the mood.” “Oh, that can't possibly be true now!” Antimony protested. “Everyone should have at least one good story to tell.” Alcor shrugged. “Depends on what ya mean by a good story.” Antimony smiled at Alcor over her cup of pudding. "Well, try! You seem the sort to have an excellent story. Not that... I'm pretending to be a good judge of stories or anything like that. But... ah." “Good stories don't need to be happy. But happy helps,” came the lalafell’s helpful rejoinder. Alcor chuckled, "Well... I guess I could be tellin' ya 'bout the time the merchant vessel I were on, was raided by the MacRìdeinn clan. Don't know if yeh've ever heard 'o them. Might have, well known 'round these parts. Though they've not made the news in a while." Antimony's eyes widened slightly. "Oh. That sounds exciting. Or terrifying. Though, I can't say the name is familiar. “McRideinn?” Ulanan questioned. Megiddo had a similar thought: “Clan of what kind?” Alcor nodded his head, "Heh. Must be longer than I thought since they active on the seas. Maelstrom really been crackin' down on those sorts of activities." Antimony pursed her lips, looked thoughtful, and shrugged. "If it has been years, then I wouldn't know." “And I'm not from around these parts, so do tell!” Ulanan left her pudding on the table, and then climbed up to it. The whole thing leaned dramatically due to the sudden change in weight, but it went back to its original balanced position after the lalafell was on top of it. She sat and looked at Alcor, expectantly. Antimony gave the table a worried look that faded when nothing went immediately awry. “The MacRìdeinn clan,” Alcor explained, “were well known then, probably 'cause was a family unit working the raidin'. Bunch 'o defectin' Ala Mhigans if the rumors were true. Anyway, mah crew was not far off a pair 'o islands in the middle 'o the pathin'." Antimony seemed to have forgotten her pudding, instead listening with ears perked up away from her head. Alcor continued: “They musta been lyin' a wait there and had a mage ta pull the winds right fer 'em cause they came a sweepin' out a'tween the islands at a right frigtenin' speed. No way they got that sorta gust outta no wheres.” Ulanan, on the other hand, was still eating her pudding. Slowly. Her expression was neutral, so perhaps she was not liking the pudding much herself. Megiddo listened quietly, with crossed arms. “They rode up alongside us,” the hyur continued. “Our ship were running skeleton crew ta save money, iron-ic cause they paid the sailor more fer the danger. Weren't terribly interesting actually, lookin' back. We just kinda bellied up and gave 'em the goods." Antimony knit her brow together worriedly. "Were you hurt? That seems very dangerous!" “That was an unexpected premature ending,” Ulanan observed. “It was wise, I suppose. Did you repay the favor later on?” At the elezen’s question, Ulanan looked bemused, “Being robbed on the sea is a favor?” “I think, perhaps, he meant it... metaphorically?” Antimony hesitated. “Or would that be irony? Ah…” “Ironic turn of phrase, yes,” Megiddo acknowledged. “Oh. Of course!” And with much energy, Ulanan facepalmed. “Nothin' like yer thinkin',” Alcor chuckled. “Nah, I was passin' time at a tavern in Vesper Bay, when I saw one 'o those raiders. I remembered her well enough, she'd stuck out ta me. Yeh don't see to many attractive women out on the seas. Not that the Roe don't have their own... appeal.” “So I gather this will be the story of how you married...or how you got in bed. Please tell me it's the first one,” Ulanan quipped. Discomforted by the implications, Antimony cleared her throat. "Right. Well, ah... what did you do?" Alcor waved a hand. "Anyway, yeh wanted a story. There ya go." He laughed and added, "Sorry ta disappoint Ulanan. I ain't ever been married." A pause and then, "Anyway. Saw the lass, and a few more 'o her family come into dock. Went over ta have a few words with 'em. Didn't take long afore I was having drinks with the lot and... Nah. I probably shouldn't be sayin' more. Sensitive ears here an' all. But I did get a missive from the lass, actually her son, some a few years later. Heh. Wouldn't have it another way, quite honest. Boy's a good lad." A pause, another wave of his hand. "Anyway, yeh wanted a story. There ya go." Ulanan made a face. "So it was the second option." “Hey! Weren't the first time!” Antimony's ears twitched, and then she smiled a bit sadly. "That seems a happy enough ending." option. Though, do you still keep in touch with him? Alcor nodded towards Antimony, a slight smile on his face, "He were the one that convinced me to finally retire off the seas and give the land a try. He lives 'round here in Limsa." Megiddo stated from where he leaned against the wall, looking at Ulanan, "Not all cultures mandate marriage. My own does not." Antimony shook her head in agreement at his comment. “Yes, not all cultures are good.” Ulanan stabbed the pudding and ate what was left from it with less delicacy. “Ah, that's lov--Ulanan! You know, I was never married either,” Antimony chided. Megiddo looked mildly amused. “I believe Ulanan is calling you and I lesser, then, isn't she?” “Heh. I believe she is calling all 'o us that.” Ulanan motioned the spooned hand towards Megiddo. "I'm not calling you anything." She then motioned to Alcor. "I'm simply stating a statement on the seeming state of certain societies." To which Megiddo responded, “So you're saying our cultures are not good because they are not like your culture.” Antimony shook her head slightly, her smile more bemused than anything. "What does, ah, marriage do to make a culture... good then?" She blinked, tilted her head to one side, and, "Truthfully, I didn't know of such a concept until recently." “So yeh'd rather me have had a wife that I never saw? Sea-life and marriage ain't get along well, even if I'd wanted ta be married ta someone." Ulanan gave a strange look at each one of them. "Where do you people come from anyway?" Antimony looked uncomfortable. “What... kind of question is that..?” Megiddo frowned at the lalafell. “It's a...questioning question? Of the question kind! The kind you make when you want to know something.” “It's a... well when you word it like that...!” The miqo’te woman gestured helplessly with one hand. Ulanan only blinked. Megiddo observed this exchange with a dubiousness that was slightly more dubious than his former dubiousness. That was to say, with a slightly heightened degree of dubiousity. Finally, Alcor broached the question more directly, “And it matters where we come from?” Antimony tapped her fingers against her cup of pudding and then turned suddenly to Alcor, "Ah, anyroad! As long as you are in touch with your son, then all is well. No need to judge others on their homes or.. ask them silly questions like that!” Ulanan tried to scrape some more pudding from the empty cup and muttered, "I guess that's the important thing." Alcor looked down at his pudding, "Suppose so." “Ah! I am sorry, Ulanan,” she cast a concerned look her friend’s way. “I didn't intend to start... oh, now look at what I've done. Quickly, another tale!” “There was this one time when we were ambushed by assasins. We are alive, so it has a happy ending!” The lalafell prodded. “Hmm? Assassins?” Alcor looked up from his pudding curiously. “What's this?” Antimony blanched. "That, uhm... perhaps that is... not so good a tale to tell regardless." Megiddo stepped forward then and put his pudding on the table next to Ulanan, "I have a better one, in that case. The story of the time Megiddo gave Ulanan his pudding. As told by me presently. The end." Antimony blinked and then brought one hand up to her mouth to stifle a chuckle. "Stunning... ah, wonderful composition, Megiddo!" Ulanan looked down at the pudding. "Pudding's not your favourite dessert, I gather." “Seems he has been tryin' ta not try it.” “I've no palette for such things. It has a pleasant smell, so I've gotten what I can from it,” the duskwight shrugged. For now, at least, this seemed enough for Ulanan. “I'm glad you liked it, then.” She took the pudding. Antimony frowned slightly. "Oh... Ah, if you had said something sooner... Wait! I've surely got something to feed you. What do you like?" She whipped around a bit dizzyingly towards the kitchenette. “Please do not concern yourself, Antimony. I'm quite fine.” “No, no! I won't abide you going hungry in my home. Please. Ah, I've no more bread but... there are some oranges left over! Or I can cook up some oatmeal..." Alcor picked up his empty pudding cup, depositing it in the sink, before stepping next to Antimony, "Let the man be, obviously not an eater like me." Ulanan agreed, “I do not think you will convince Megiddo to eat against his will.” Megiddo only sighed, "If you insist, I could partake of an orange." “Oh, or maybe you can!” Antimony's tail swished behind her in a sharp, broad arc that whacks Alcor on one side of its swing as she emerged from the cupboard victorious with one orange. "Ah, that will do nicely! Give me a moment to peel it..." “I can peel it myself.” Alcor shook his head and leaned against the table next to him. Despite Megiddo’s protests, however, Antimony tutted, already in the process of working the skin off, though her actions were a bit unpracticed. During this, Ulanan seemed to be deeply pondering about the pudding Megiddo gave her. Antimony worked at the orange until she'd got the skin all off and then took another moment casting about for a plate, before finally turning and parading the whole thing over to Megiddo with a warm smile. “There. Perhaps this is more to your liking.” “You can put pudding on top of it!” Ulanan offered. Megiddo turned and took the plate somberly, "Thank you, Antimony." Antimony nodded and brushed her hands against the front of her robe before turning back to the others. "Are there any more stories or...?" “Someone sunk my exciting tale of acrobacy, magic and ancient conspiracies! So no more stories from me.” Ulanan smiled. Orange in hand, Megiddo offered, “I think we should hear the story of Ulanan's wedding.” At this, Antimony blinked and furrowed her brow. The Duskwight set the plate on the table, extracted a single piece of orange, and held it, waiting. Alcor sighed, "Well, as much as I would love to hear that story, I should be heading on for the night." “Oh! Already...?” There was a moment of confusion, paired with worry, and then, “I mean, I suppose I have held you captive long enough. I'm sorry, I didn't even think if I might be keeping you from something..!” Alcor chuckled, "Nah, nothing so dramatic as that. Though I have someone ta be meetin'. Thank yee much for the dinner. Should do it again, sometime.” Antimony smiled. "Ah, of course! And I will endeavor to have all of the correct ingredients that time." Ulanan stared at Megiddo for quite some time before snapping out of it and looking at Alcor, "I hope you enjoyed our dessert." “It was... pudding.” Alcor smiled slightly. “Yes, Ulanan,” Antimony added. “You did very well with what little I could provide you! It was lovely.” “Pudding is a dessert,” Ulanan corrected the hyur as he walked towards the small house's exit. Megiddo tossed a "Good evening," to Alcor on his way. The man waved briefly, "See ya lot 'round." Antimony watched Alcor leave, looking a bit uncertain as to how to continue things from this point. "Hm." “Well, that was some pudding!” Ulanan jumped off the table, and Antimony chuckled faintly at her enthusiasm. “I think if we're not getting that story out of Ulanan,” Megiddo spoke up, “I should take this opportunity to leave as well. If I'm to get out of the city before I grow too tired to do so.” Antimony looked up at Megiddo with some surprise, that shifted to a frown, that settled on an accepting smile. "Ah, it is that time, I suppose. Thank you for accepting my invitation." “It was nice of you to stop by, yes.” Megiddo glanced down at Ulanan, then back up to Antimony, "Thank you for inviting me. It is a rare occurrence. Have a good evening." And then he turned to move to the door, just that quickly. Antimony opened her mouth to say goodbye, found herself a bit flustered by the speed of his exit, and then called out rather belatedly, "Be safe!" Megiddo cast a last, brief wave at Antimony, and then was gone. In the lingering silence, Ulanan moved around the table, picking up whatever empty cups were left on it. “Such a friendly folk! ... or friendly folks, should I say. Antimony picked up Megiddo's cup of pudding and looked a bit sadly at the orange left on the table. "... Mm. They are, no matter what some people may say." She turned to the kitchenette, "I'll clean these, so don't you worry about them, Ulanan." Ulanan handed the other, actually empty cups to Antimony. "Are you sure? I figured you'd like to have some rest, for once." Antimony cast a fond smile down at Ulanan. “Oh I'm quite alright. Wouldn't want all of this to crust up, after all.” “I could do it.” Antimony looked down at the array of cups and spoons, then at Ulanan, and considered for a moment before shaking her head. "How about, you dry them and I wash, hm?" Ulanan lifted one accusatory finger. "That...is quite a good agreement!" Maybe it wasn't accusatory after all. At the dubious acceptance, Antimony nodded and began to wash things. As the water ran hot, Ulanan moved behind Antimony towards the shelf and searched for something to dry the washed things that are being washed. “So how was life back in the tribe, compared to Limsa?” Antimony's scrubbing of one cup went suddenly off course and she hissed at a jammed finger. "That..." She blinked down at the cup before slowly scrubbing at it some more. “… Not quite so interesting, I'm sure.” Ulanan found a cloth of sorts, hopefully one suitable for drying, and held it between her hands. "You said marriage was a new concept to you." Antimony brightened at that, oddly. "Ah! Yes! You should tell me of your marriage. From what you've mentioned, it seems... exciting." Ulanan shifted her weight from one foot to the other. Her lips became a thin line. "Well, we were married. Then he died." The directness of the statement froze Antimony for several seconds. She kept quiet for a moment, and then, "Ah, I'm sorry." “It's alright. That was some time ago. But!” She went for a dramatic pause. “Marriage! This is how it works. A man picks you, or you pick a man. Then you get to know each other...or maybe he bribes you...or you bribe him. Or your family does! Or -his- family pushes him into marrying you because you have more money than them...” She turned to Antimony and leveled her with a deeply reflective stare. “Or maybe he has more money than yours and you marry him because money is always good, and he accepts because you are highly educated and pretty and capable of having children.” As the lalafell spoke, Antimony turned to blink at her and handed her a scrubbed-clean cup in silence. Ulanan dried it without paying it much attention. “And then you have children with him! Or not. But if you marry, it's probably because you want decendency. So you do that!” “That... is very complicated and... well, I suppose in a way it's similar...” Antimony looked a bit baffled and chose instead to scrub another cup. “But you were not married.” “No, I was not.” “Yet you had children.” Antimony pressed her lips together and continued to wash the second cup. "Yes." She did not immediately elaborate on this. “Did you have a...uhm...” Ulanan thought for a moment before adding. "...a designated mate?" Antimony hesitated and then sighed, looking down. "In a way." “Well, I guess you -were- married, then.” Antimony shrugged very slightly and handed off the second mug to Ulanan. "I suppose. It was never called such, though. And I've gathered marriage is... ah, exclusive.” Ulanan took the mug and dried it as distractedly as the first one. “It is! Your husband had many wives, I gather? Or...any husband from your tribe...” Ulanan failed to have tact in this matter. Antimony winced and nodded, head bowed. Her hands shook around the third mug as she washed it. “Surely there are other things to discuss than this, though, hm?” Ulanan looked to Antimony's hands, then upwards. "I'm sorry." The woman smiled, "Think nothing of it. Ah," she passed along another mug, "Almost done." “How was the pudding?” Ulanan took the third mug. “Well... I'm no qualified judge of pudding, you should know. But I'm certain it was lacking something because of my own lack of... what was it.. milk?” “We'll get it right next time.” The lalafell smiled brightly. Antimony nodded and set aside the last mug. "Of course. Now, I'm afraid Alcor and Megiddo had the right of it... it is rather late.” To this, Ulanan nodded. “You're free to sleep here for the night if you wish. I.. still don't know where you stay when you aren't here. Ah, that's horrible of me!” “I just get a room at the local inn,” Ulanan shrugged. “Do not bother yourself with it.” Antimony furrowed her brow. "Well, I suppose that's better than sleeping on the streets. I had feared... ah, well, just know that you're always welcome here, Ulanan.' Ulanan laughed, “I'm no beggar! But thank you. I will keep it in mind.” She flashed an apologetic smile. “I didn't mean to imply! I just worry, you know.” Turning from the kitchenette, Ulanan put on her hat which was...lying somewhere! “I know, and I'm thankful for that. But you shouldn't. It's bad for your nerves.” Facing Antimony, she offered a courteous bow. Antimony laughed at that and lifted her hand in farewell. "Please take care when you're walking alone at night." “I will.” And then she was gone, leaving Antimony alone with her thoughts.

Have you been to Ul'Dah, recently? There's a trio of female Miqo'te dancers there. Indeed. If anything, the sexual objectivity of Seeker miqo'te may quite possibly be a construct of the cosmopolitan, "civilized" parts of Eorzea. It's certainly not something you see in the U tribe.

The K tribe is deeply worshipful of Azeyma, going so far as to ritualize and idolize the sun's cycles, conduct celebratory festivals, and tune a lot of their actions to signs from the sun. Antimony (K'piru) was a part of this for 41 years and possibly one of the most spiritual members of the tribe (with a few exceptions), as she was their shaman - a sort of medical, historical, and supernatural guide. Dalamud's fall - and the resulting deaths of much of her tribe, including her daughters and her nunh - shattered her faith, however. She's actively doubting of the gods' powers, but she does retain an echo of her past role in that she is still intensely superstitious. This past All Saints Wake was exceptionally fun to RP, as Antimony had no concept of the celebration (the K tribe being rather isolated from the rest of Eorzea, and no Wake having been held since the Calamity) and so judged it to be a glorification of demons and evil. She hated every moment of it. So in a way, she's still "spiritual" in that she still holds a lot of superstitions (which actually influence a great deal of her medical skills - she doesn't trust Eorzean doctors, so if she gets sick, it's home remedies all the way!) and a belief/distrust in the supernatural. She just gives no credence to the Twelve.

That is the best thing ever.

K'aijeen was well on her way to the Elder's tent by then. She said she was going, and go she did! Head held high, strides long and confident, she didn't look at anyone else around her or pause for a moment as she pushed her way into the tent and announced, "K'aijeen's here! Where's grandma! Her daughter's being a pain again!" K'airos entered right after her sister, leaving her spear outside. Her tail and ears were lowered. Contrary to her sister, she felt the need to look ashamed and disappointed at herself. She kept her gaze low. Three sets of eyes looked up at K'aijeen's vocal entrance, but only one spoke, in a masculine tone with a clarity that cut through the shadows of the tent, "You should refer to your mother with greater respect." K'aijeen frowned at the man, saying, "What? She is my grandmother's daughter, isn't she? I know where I come from! That's good!" K'airos' ears perked up a little bit while she leant towards her sister. "I think he means the -she's being a pain- part." she whispered. "But do you know where you're going?" came a second voice, and a bowed woman with white hair that may have once been sandy blonde pushed to her feet before shuffling a few steps towards K'aijeen. K'aijeen waved her sister off and tossed a smile at the risen woman, "Yes! I know exactly where I'm going! I'm going to be the best shaman the tribe's ever had!" K'airos limited herself to letting both hands hang in front of her, fingers wrapped against each other. "An admirable goal," K'deiki stated. Behind her, a tattooed face frowned and spoke past the young girl to K'airos lurking just behind, "You bear a mark of guilt, young daughter. I suggest you speak to your reason for being here openly." "Hey!" K'aijeen hoped over in front of the woman, "Don't pick on K'airos!" "Aijeen!" K'airos exclaimed. She gave the elders an apologetic glance before turning to her sister. "She's not picking on me. You...ah...you should tell the elders what you did before K'ile does." K'jhanhi, the first who had spoken, stood as well. He had been an unusually large man in his prime, and even at his now elderly age, he still bore that size, and so when he stood, the tent seemed to shrink. "That would be wise. The flame bearer was sent to look for a thief." "I didn't steal anything!" K'aijeen said, "I took some meat but I was going to replace it! I had a plan and dad messed it up, so now we're missing meat and I don't have my Sand Drake spine! You should tell people not to mess with my plans!" A beat after K'jhanhi's words, the entrance to the tent pushed back long enough for another to enter. Rather than the flaming red hair of K'ile, however, there was the dull brown and worried eyes of a harried mother. She moved immediately to K'aijeen's side and looked imploringly to the elders, "She did not mean harm, you must understand," and then to K'aijeen, "Please, just apologize!" K'airos frowned at her sister. "You have to tell m- I mean - us...them about your plans first." she said, not paying any attention to her mother, Arms crossed, K'aijeen looked to K'deiki and muttered in annoyance, "Control your daughter!" K'piru gave her own daughter a half-horrified look as K'jhanhi moved closer, stepping past the other elders, "You have much to atone for, child." His tone was on the harsh side of firm and he cut off K'piru's protests with a hand in her direction, "And you should not tolerate this behavior." "What are you talking about?" She watched the massive man move towards her mother. "I didn't do anything wrong! My plan was perfect! It was going to work, and we'd have more meat! It can still work! I can still replace the meat! K'airos will help!" At the mention of her name, she raised a finger. "I will! No, wait...I don't think rebuilding your trap is socially viable right now." Ears pressed back against her skull, K'piru looked away briefly at her father's chiding before returning her attention to her own daughter. "That doesn't matter, Aijeen. You could have hurt people and... and you stole! If you'd only ask for things instead of taking them..." "This is not a new path for you, young one," K'deiki spoke up, her voice quieter but no less authoritative than the former nunh's. "My memory may not be what it used to, but I have not forgotten speaking to you in the past of such things. You should not have forgotten either." "I did forget," K'aijeen responded as though answering a challenge. "I was doing the right thing. My plan was going to work. You're wise, right? You should know that I'm learning and getting better! I'm going to be better than any other shaman soon!" "What are you learning, dear?" K'deiki asked patiently. "What do you see as the duties of a shaman? I've spoken with your mother and know you don't attend to her lessons." K'airos opted to keep quiet, fiddling her fingers against her hair, combing the same lock over and over mercilessly. "I baited the animals!" K'aijeen exclaimed. "First I baited vultures, and then a Sand Drake! And my trap would've killed it with no danger at all! I used some of mom's powder to make spears that throw themselves!" "I can testify that the trap was well put!" said K'airos, still combing her hair. K'deiki lifted a hand to quiet K'airos, focusing her attention on the younger Thalen girl. "What did you bait the vultures with, child?" Smiling, K'aijeen answered, "Oh! They eat old meat! I take the fresh stuff and leave it out in the sun and they swoop right in thinking it's a carcass! I can show you how to do it! It's really easy!" The elder nodded, "And where did you collect the fresh meat?" "I took it from the tribe's supplies. I was going to put it back!" She pointed at K'deiki's face, "Grandma, you're missing the point! Can you imagine if we could add Sand Drake to our diet on a regular basis?" "That's not the point, Aijeen," K'piru interrupted, expression practically begging. "You stole! You can't just put food back - not when it's been used! And you've no way of knowing your trap would work! You stole food from us, Aijeen." Spinning on her mother, she bit, "I knew it would work! Dad messed it up! Be mad at him! The world's bigger than your stupid books! You can do more with your powders than pray and cure infections! I made it explode! I'm already a better shaman than you are, so stop trying to hold me back!" "You aren't a better shaman yet." K'airos interjected, her voice calm but both her hands still combing her hair. "If you were, you would have had a plan for people stumbling into your trap. But you didn't, and that's what ruined it. Not dad." K'aijeen sulked, "Dad's better at being stupid than I am at being smart." "Don't speak of your father like that!" K'piru demanded, expression taught with anxiety. "Explosions aren't... they aren't part of what I do. A shaman doesn't kill things, Aijeen." "You could have put a sign, or stayed close enough..." K'airos muttered, avoiding eye contact with anyone but the wall of the tent. Pointing at her mother, "I'm not talking to you," K'aijeen let her glare sit on the woman for a few more seconds before spinning to her grandmother, "I'm making the tribe better. More sources of meat! Why should the shaman just pray and cure sick people when we can do better! I'm doing better!" K'piru leaned back slightly, giving her daughter a mournful look. "Aijeen, that's not--" Her words were cut off, however, by the large, wrinkled hand of K'jhanhi as he moved forward and gently but firmly urged her aside. "Arguing with your mother is not helping your point, child. K'piru speaks the truth as to the role of our shaman, but more importantly, you've committed theft against the tribe. And this is not the first time." K'deiki looked between both of them before nodding to herself. "It is as I said. You are young still, but old enough to know better the rules of our tribe. You should know also that we cannot let this pass unpunished." "Punished? Are you insane!?" K'aijeen turned her gaze to K'jhanhi at first, the man being the most imposing figure present, but then began to look at everyone else in turn. "I took what I needed to make things better! I was told to help and I helped! I can still help! Give me more meat, I'll bait more traps! I'll triple the meat I took!" K'airos stepped forward, her hair now perfectly combed, judging by the fact she stopped combing it. "You must realize she only took the meat without permission because she -knew- you wouldn't let her try this if she told you about it." "She cannot know if she doesn't ask," K'deiki corrected with a level stare in K'airos's direction. K'airos crossed her arms and pretended to be firm. Her tail was still lowered and trying to sneak between her legs. "Well... would you have agreed?" The elder shook her head and persisted, "That is not the question we are asking today. Young K'aijeen has admitted to her crime and is not remorseful. Her mother," she turned sad eyes to K'piru then, who looked as though she wished to melt, "has been incapable of teaching her responsibility in this matter. It is a shame." K'piru bowed her head and, rather than say anything in protest this time, just clutched at her daughter's shoulders. "I didn't take because-... Augh!" K'aijeen pulled on her ears. "It's not a crime if I put it back! If I double it! I was helping the tribe! If you're so wise you should see that!" K'airos threw her hands up in annoyance. "Right. Why don't you punish my sister and blame my mother while you toss your blame to the back of the tent and pretend you are pristine as water?" "We can't let even one act like this pass without words," came a voice from the back, the tattooed K'takka, "Not when our survival is as fragile as it is. That is a lesson you are taught the moment you see Azeyma's light. You should all know it well." "Tribe law would sentence you to hours under the sun, on display at the center of camp, for all to see and understand your actions and how they hurt the tribe," K'jhanhi rumbled, his yellow eyes shrouded in heavy wrinkles but no less firm. "You're insane! You're all-!" She snapped her gaze around to the Elders again. "Is that wisdom? Does that teach me wisdom? I won't let you do that to me!" K'airos looked around between the elders, petrified. "She's but a child!" K'piru, as well, paled and would pull K'aijeen to her defensively. K'jhanhi maintained his stare for several seconds before K'deiki reached up to settle a hand on his arm. "She is. And it is for that reason alone that we will ease the punishment for her." Letting herself get pulled to her mother for a moment, K'aijeen shook herself and pulled away from K'piru after K'deiki had spoken. Moving up alongside the former nunh, K'deiki looked to K'aijeen, K'airos, and K'piru in turn. "For two weeks, you will instruct your daughter in the teachings of our shamans. K'aijeen must attend each one, daily, without fail, and she will demonstrate to us then the true role of what she so aspires to be." A pause. "And should she steal again, we will not take into consideration her age." At the declaration, K'piru slumped with relief, bowing her head and uttering repeatedly, "Thank you. She will learn. Thank you." Her ears pressed flat against her head, K'aijeen stewed silently. She didn’t speak. Her little fists clenched and released in quick rhythm. "She should have already learned," K'takka's voice came again from the back, blue eyes striking within the white tattoos despite the age of her face. "You should have already taught her. This is her final chance." "I will make sure she won't get into any more trouble." K'airos said, relieved, placing a hand on her sister's shoulder. K'aijeen didn’t react to K'airos' touch. "Ensure that you do," K'jhanhi nodded and let his stare linger on K'aijeen for a moment longer before stepping back. Heedless of her daughter's stewing, K'piru moved to wrap her arms around K'aijeen, pressing her face against the top of her head. "Please, do this for me, Aijeen." K'aijeen flinched away from her mother, but only somewhat. She wore her frustration on every inch of her body, and she cast a fierce glare at the ground in front of her. "Are we done?" White hair bobbed slowly as K'deiki gestured towards the front of the tent, "Yes. You may go. Do remember our lesson this time." K'airos clasped her hands together in front of her, smiling weakly to the elders. "Thank you." she said and then bowed her head. K'aijeen attempted to jerk away from her mother and head for the exit. For once, K'piru allowed her daughter to pull away without protest, pulling her hands to herself and watching her small back with a sad, worried look. K'aijeen pushed through the exit of the tent, and was confronted immediately by K'ile standing outside. The Tia didn't say anything to her, but she spared him a glare before moving on. K'airos followed K'aijeen. Upon stumbling with K'ile outside, she said cheerfully: "Punishment was given!" She only stopped to watch K'ile's reaction for about a second before running to catch up with her sister. K'piru hung back for a moment, but when the elders did not seem as though they were going to say more, she bowed her head and followed her daughters out the door. She stopped upon seeing K'ile and gave him a helpless look. Watching K'airos follow after K'aijeen, he waited until K'piru came out of the tent. the woman's distress was obvious, and he responded by unwrapping his crossed arms and setting one each on K'piru's shoulders. "The Elders are wise, right? I'm sure they know what they're talking about. Two weeks of lessons? She'll learn to respect what you know, no problem!" He wished he was as good at being cheerful as his brother was. Her ears drooping to either side of her head, K'piru just looked worriedly in the direction her daughters had gone. "I don't know if she'll... She doesn't listen to me. I've tried so hard to teach her..." She turned her eyes back to K'ile, "I don't want her to get hurt. They won't sentence her as an adult next time... really?" At K'piru's sad tone, K'ile had to work hard not cringe. He didn't know what to do with scared women. "Uhm," he thought frantically, what would Thalen say? Taking a deep breath to psych himself up, K'ile patted K'piru's shoulder and said with his best smile, "There won't be a next time! She's a smart kid. She won't mess up again. It's just a phase or something, right?" Apparently K'ile's pep talk was not very convincing, as K'piru just dropped her head to her hands for several seconds before managing through her fingers, "I should go and speak with my daughters." "Uhm," K’ile lifted his hand, "Alright. That's good. I'll go let Thalen know what happened, alright?" K'piru just nodded, not looking up or moving immediately to follow K'airos and K'aijeen, instead taking time to try and collect herself. K'ile walked off to find his brother and tell him one of his women was upset. *** Once she'd gotten some distance from the tent, K'aijeen stopped suddenly and looked at K'airos, saying quickly and quietly so nobody could hear except her sister. "I need more meat for a trap. Tonight." K'airos crossed her arms. "What? No!" she tried to keep her tone down, with mild efficacy. "After what just happened? You are smart enough to understand mom's lessons in two weeks. Just do that!" K'aijeen scoffed. "I'm already smarter than mom. And wiser than the Elders, apparently! Listen, I'll do the lessons with mom. But you and me have to try the trap tonight. Prove I was right! Then two weeks of lessons. I promise." K'airos turned her head towards where K'ile and K'piru where. She kept her eyes there while she spoke to her sister. "Why didn't you tell me about this trap?" she asked. K'aijeen answered easily, "You were busy hunting. I was going to get more meat. It was going to be a surprise." Her tone was very matter-of-fact, as if she expected her explanation to be self-evident. "You should have waited!" K'airos protested, throwing her fists downwards and her tail becoming a straight line behind her. "Then maybe I could have kept watch on the trap while you were busy not watching the trap!" "I'm sorry!" K'aijeen bit out. "I was trying to do something nice. But you're right. I need your help. For example, I need you to get meat while I go set up the trap." "I'll tell you what we'll do." she started, running one hand over her face. "You will study and -nothing else-. If they catch you, they will tie you up and let you boil under the sun." "Even if we brought eight times the food you lost they'd still tie you up! So we won't do that until your punishment is lifted. Alright?" "They'd only tie me up if I stole food! There's nothing wrong with baiting a trap if I just happen to have food! The tribe needs meat, and it's up to me to fix what I did, right? So do you want to help me or not?" K'airos stomped one foot against the sand. "Fine! I'll get you some meat. How much do you need?" Smiling, K'aijeen ran up to K'airos and wrapped her in a sudden hug. "Thank you! Ah, you saw how much I was using earlier. I need that much. And it needs to be fresh. Stuff the huntresses killed today." K'airos arms hung to her sides for a moment before answering the sudden hug with their own embrace. "I...I can't get that much by myself..." She frowned and pulled slightly away. "Are you telling me to go -steal- what others hunted?" "That's exactly what got you in this problem!" Still holding onto K'airos, she said, "It's different if it's something you helped kill. You have a right to that meat. And you and I will replace it. Nobody will know. You've got faith in my traps, right?" "Can't we do it after the festivities are done?" Releasing K'airos, she stepped back and says, "No. It has to be tonight. I need my spine." She blinked. "And the tribe needs this meat before the festival. That's important! I can't be the best shaman ever if I go around ruining festivals!" K'airos placed a hand on each of her sister's shoulder's. "Right. But I have one condition: once the trap is ready, you will come back. So if things go awry or dad stumbles into it -again. they won't blame you for the lost meat. Alright?" Considering this for a moment, K'aijeen at length nods and renews her smile, "Okay! I can do that!" K'airos closed her eyes and smiled. "Good! This will be fantastic! Or at least something to tell our grandchildren when we are old." Blinking at some thought for a moment, K'aijeen perked up belatedly, "Right! I think. Anyway. We'll go back to where the first trap was. I'll rebuild it. You meet me there with the bait once everyone's asleep." K'airos nodded and gestured with one hand towards the elders' tent. "I forgot my spear back there. I'll meet you at the -place- at the -time-!" she said, exaggerating some words for effect. A bit perplexed by K'airos strange way of speaking, K'aijeen uttered a confused, "Okay?" while maintaining her static cheer. K'airos left to retrieve her spear, which she really did forget at the elders' tent. After hanging out for an inordinate amount of time outside the elders' tent, K'piru had finally felt as though she could face her children and so began to walk in the direction they had left, in hopes of either catching up to them or finding them back at their tent. K'piru looked up worriedly as K'airos approached in the opposite direction, without her other daughter. "Airos? Is everything alright? Aijeen will... has she told you anything? That she'll listen?" "Sure!" K'airos answered, not stopping her movement. "She promised she will study. And then I remember I forgot my spear at the elders'." She walked past K'piru, turned around to keep facing her and walked sideways towards the tent. "You should... give her some alone time to think. So that she can have a cooler head when you talk to her!" Blinking at her daughter, head turning to follow her movements, K'piru's ears drooped further, her tail hanging low behind her. "Don't... be long," she replied after a moment. "Come back to the tent after... Airi will be returning soon. I'd like us all to spend some time together." K'airos smiled and waved. "It won't be long!" she exclaimed before turning completely away and leaving her mother behind. That spear was not going to pick itself up! Turning away from the tent and K'airos, rather than follow after her other daughter, K'piru chose instead to wander in another direction, in search of one person she could rely on for support. Once K'airos left, K'aijeen stood still. He smile faded into a frown and her ears and tail drooped. She loitered as the sun set, and thought about the knowledge and wisdom of the people around her. She didn't enjoy her thoughts. When nobody else came after her, K'aijeen turned and walked home. In her mother's tent were the various shamanic supplies from which K'aijeen had crafted that explosive mix of powder. She would need more.

K'piru had eventually exhausted the western perimeter of the tribe's camp, and each passing moment of no K'aijeen wound her up inside like a spring. When her daughter was nowhere to be found near the camp, she even risked venturing a little ways out, but the western edge was surrounded by deep dunes, which were prime habitat for sandworms and K'piru could not go far without risking stirring up one of those deadly beasts. Worried half-to-death that K'aijeen had somehow gotten herself eaten, she hastened back through the camp, ignoring the occasional calls from tribe members about her preparations for the festival, in hopes that K'ile or K'airos had managed to find her wayward daughter. Preferably in one piece. No one was at her tent when she arrived back and so she paced anxiously outside of it, waiting. K'airos had taken point and was some distance away from her father and sister. She stopped pouting continuously when they were about halfway back to the tribal camp, possibly out of her cheeks and lips getting tired of it. She arrived first at the camp, and was the first sight her mother would see emerging from between the other tents. When K'airos noticed her mother lingering outside of the tent, she raised her spear and waved it. "We found Aijeen! She's alright!" she exclaimed. Refusing to take a single step of her own free will, K'aijeen required that her father push her all the war home. She did explain to K'thalen as she went, "I can't make the traps again. I used bomb fingers and some powders I took from mom. Gone now!" K'thalen kept his daughter moving resolutely, without losing the pleasant smile, though there was some measure of seriousness in the doggedly forward stare of his eyes. "Let's not worry about making the traps just yet, mkay? First things first! You do owe some people an apology, after all." K'piru spun in the sand, sending up a small dust cloud in her sudden flurry of activity at K'airos's voice. Her ears swooped back and then perked almost straight up as she exclaimed, "Aijeen?!" and rushed forward, passing K'airos up and all but barreling into her daughter. Throwing her hands up in the air and almost whacking K'thalen in the face, K'aijeen bellowed, "Apologies? Apologies! I don't owe anyone any apologies! That's crazy!" And, when she saw K'piru, her ears pinned against her scalp and her tail stuck straight out, "Ah, no lecturing! I didn't do anything!" K'piru ignored her daughter’s protests for the moment, instead going to wrap her up in an almost smothering embrace. "Aijeen! I thought for sure you'd gotten yourself eaten by a sandworm!" K'aijeen of course writhed as though her mother were a sandworm, "MOM STAHP!" K'thalen leaned away from the mother and daughter, weaving his fingers together and locking his hands behind his head in a relaxed, waiting pose. Still with that crooked smile. "Not too far off," he chuckled a bit somberly. K'airos lowered her spear, holding it horizontally with both hands. The scene made her chuckle softly, her tail and ears raising somewhat. K'piru shook her head, tail whipping behind her rapidly, and began what could only be described as a near full-body inspection of her daughter's well-being. "I had no idea what'd become of you! You worried me so much, when K'ile came by and I realized you were missing and I couldn't find you anywhere near camp...! Are you alright? Do you hurt anywhere? Tell me where it hurts." "I said stop," K'aijeen tried to smack her mother's hands away, "I didn't do anything and nothing happened. Dad poked my trap and almost died. Fuss over him!" At K'piru's wide-eyed look in his direction, K'thalen moved his hands from behind his head to spread them out to either side. "All limbs accounted for. Nothing to worry about!" She didn't look convinced and then frowned back at K'aijeen, still trying to keep ahold of her daughter despite the struggling. "Your trap?" She questioned, lips pursing. "It was an impressive trap!" K'airos interjected, probably doing nothing to help Aijeen on her current struggle. Probably not, no, but K'aijeen did accept the praise. "It was a good trap! I needed a Sand Drake spine and other stuff so I set a trap with fresh Vulture meat and blood and rigged it to explode with some of the powder I learned about for shamaning!" "The dad ruined it." She gave her father an accusatory glare. K'thalen shrugged at that, but K'piru's eyes narrowed with the look of a hawk homing in on its prey. "Who taught you that?" A pause, "No, it doesn't matter. What possessed you to do such a thing?" Perceiving the question as obviously ludicrous, K'aijeen answered, "Cause I needed a Sand Drake spine. And stuff. Like I said? I didn't do anything wrong!" K'airos sighed at the thought of what would be the inevitable conclusion of this exchange. His lips in a straight line and his eyes mostly concealed by his hair, K'ile Tia strode calmly and slowly back into the camp, spear held to his back by a leather tie that ran over his otherwise bare shoulders. He paused when he saw the gathering of Thalen's clan, and his expression darkened, and he strode on towards them. "You could've gotten yourself killed!" K'piru exclaimed. "And you took reagents from my stores! And who knows what else..." K'aijeen's reply was indignant, "I was gonna put 'em back! Dad ruined my trap so he owes you for the wasted stuff!" K'thalen caught sight of his brother fairly quickly and waved casually at him in silence, flashing a grin. K'ile did not return his brother's wave or grin. Instead, he approached K'airos directly. Walking up to the woman and crossing his arms, he stated, "You've helped Aijeen with stuff like this before. Did you know anything about this?" "You can't just take things without asking and excuse it by saying you were going to put them back! You can't just "put back" reagents - if you use them, they're gone!" K'piru gave her daughter a half-exasperated, half-worried look. "You put yourself and others - your own father! - in danger, Aijeen. Why??" K'airos looked at K'ile to the eyes, for just a moment. The briefest and most shameful of moments. She quickly turned away and shaked her head. "She did not tell me about this." K'aijeen threw her head back and sighed in great exasperation, saying slowly, "I needed a Sand. Drake. Spine! I've said that fifty times!" Closing her eyes to try and calm herself, K'piru asked stiffly, "What do you need a sand drake spine for?" K'ile replied to K'airos, "Inform the elders of that if they ask, then," and then turned to walk over to the others. Smiling at her mother's question, K'aijeen replied, "My education. And eyes and a heart. Also brain goo if there was any left." She laid her hand on the satchel that hung at her hip, "I got plenty of goo from the vultures so wasn't worried about it." "What?" K'piru leaned back slightly to stare at her daughter fully. "Your education doesn't involve... sand drake... eyes! Or hearts. Or getting yourself killed! Or--or stealing!" K'aijeen scoffed, "Not if you had anything to say about it. I'm educating myself. I'm gonna be the best shaman this tribe's ever had!" Meanwhile, K'ile took up a stance next to K'piru, his arms crossed over his chest and his expression very serious. K'airos tried to say something, but couldn't find any defense for her sister. She chose to keep quiet for the moment. K'thalen reached out then to lightly touch K'piru's arm. "No sense getting worked up over it, though. What happened, happened, and we're all okay, yeah?" He gave her a disarming grin, which she didn't return in any form. "From what I can tell, there's just one thing we gotta handle right away." Her ears pressing back into her hair, K'piru gave her daughter a pained look. K'aijeen frowned at each of her parents in turn, and then looked at her uncle, "What do you want?" K'ile's reply was simple and sharp, "You're in trouble. You need to explain yourself to the elders this time." Taking a moment to regain her composure, K'piru nodded at K'ile's words. "I've told you many times, Aijeen... You cannot just take things without asking." Thinking for a moment, K'aijeen renewed her indignant air and looked proud, "I was contributing to the tribe. Learning more about shamanism makes our shamans better! I was making the tribe better! The elders will understand that better than you, mom!" K'airos approached, somewhat shyly, dragging her spear as if it was the first time she was handed one. "How much meat did you steal, anyway?" Answering on K'aijeen's behalf, K'ile said, "Enough to feed a family for a few days. It will be impossible to make up the deficit before it's time for the feast." K'ile gave K'aijeen a hard look and pointed in the general direction of the elder's tent, "Now. Walk or I'll carry you by your ears." K'piru finally let her hands fall away from her daughter, pulling her arms to herself and clasping her hands to her chest. K'thalen reached out to give his daughter a conciliatory pat on the back. "The best thing to do is to own up to mistakes and work to remedy them. So, we gonna take a walk?" "Remember to mention how you had the tribe's interests in mind!" K'airos offered uselessly. K'aijeen proclaimed proudly, "If the elders are wise they'll know I was right and give me what I need to try again!" She started off towards the elder's tent. K'ile turned to K'airos, "You, too. You encourage her. The elders might have something to say to you about that." Her tail lowered greatly and curved between her knees. The ears would have done the same if they could fall so much. "Al-alright." she nodded. K'piru turned to start to follow her daughter. K'thalen just stood with his ears cocked, looking conflicted for the first time. Before moving off with the others, K'ile smacked K'thalen's shoulder, "Don't worry. S'just girl talk. They'll work it out. Don't you have some huntress rolling out her good blankets for you or something?" K'thalen snorted. "What, this time of year?" He cast a frown at K'piru's back, hurrying after the smaller form of her daughter, and then leveled a suddenly broad grin at his brother. "Don't you have a sun to take care of?" And turned on one heel in the sand, flinging his arms out dramatically. Frowning at his brother's joke, he said, "A Tia needs hobbies." "So does a nunh," the nunh chuckled and scratched the back of his head, just below one ear, which twitched in response. "Eh, think there are some kiddos who might not be causing as much trouble as they should without me around." "You working on raising more kids like Aijeen?" K'ile delivered deadpan, "Azeyma help us all. Last thing we need is a swarm of kids after our brains." He tossed back his head and his shoulders shook in soundless laughter. "Azeyma's helping them alright, if you can trust their mighty battle cries." On his last words, he brought both hands with fingers curled forward and made a clawing gesture at K'ile. "We are not drake-brained." said K'airos over her shoulder, walking towards the elders' tent. Ignoring K'thalen's growls, K'ile said to K'airos, "I know of one drake-brained fool in the tribe," and nodded to his brother. He was heading off towards the elders' tent at a full walk now.

K'deiki held up one wrinkled hand, hidden largely behind the folds of light cloth shrouding her. "Is it an insult to offer help in a time of need?" she questioned, catching the spinning flame of K'ile's staff with faded eyes. "The message is an offer we can accept or deny. There was wisdom in our new sister's words, that we do not know the full motivation behind this gardener's offer. We should not treat it as entirely in good faith, but neither will we treat it as an insult." Her arm dropped, hand resting back in her lap, and she bowed her head towards the fire. "We would hear more from our brothers and sisters."

It's just clothing. If someone gives you crap about using an AF set or whatever as your RP gear, ignore them. We can't possibly work within the "chosen one" situation that is the bulk of an MMO's storyline.

You mean all crafting gear 1-50? Because there are definitely pants available to female characters. If you're looking at just a subset, though, I wouldn't be surprised as "remove pants, transform into short skirt with thigh highs" is the yawn-inducing, cookie-cutter formula to "feminize" (as though that should mean anything) a "masculine" outfit.

I had one thought while reading this: Want. Why was it so impossible to find other people who wanted to roleplay that kind of character when I actually roleplayed an ecologist in TERA? x.x Q to the massive Q.

Half a bell after the elders arrived at the fire, the blazing pinks and oranges of the rising sun had begun to bleed pale blue at the edges. The sharp shadows of the flame K'ile Tia spun softened along with the chill that swept in every night and out every morning, leaving behind ephemeral pools of dew the tribe would religiously took advantage of. To K'deiki's aged eyes, she judged the whole of the tribe to be in attendance - all save for one that brought a brief frown. Anxious huntresses, not wanting to waste too much of the day that could be spent collecting food, mingled with strangely more attentive youth as the tribe settled into place around the now healthily blazing fire. Placing the stone sigil in the sand at her feet, K'deiki slowly moved to her feet, looking in turn to the other elders at her side before directing her gaze outward, through the flames. "Eight suns have passed by the will of Azeyma since one of our sisters took her heart in hand and approached the elders," she began, and what her voice lacked in volume it made up for in authority, carrying in the still, morning air as sure as the sun cut through the sky above. "It was not the first time she had chosen to do so, but it was the first time we deemed her words more than youthful rebellion." To her right, K'takka smiled under the white cloth that wrapped her head. Cloudy eyes left the flames to scan the crowd around them and K'deiki continued, "You have likely heard already the purpose for this circle, but now I speak it before the tribe, with Azeyma as our witness: The desert has given us food and water and shelter, but it has taken from us much more since the sky fell burning, five years past. The desert is our home, but it has grown unwelcoming. Azeyma will not abandon her people, but neither will she coddle us as children." The elder paused, bowing her head briefly both to catch her breath and consider her next words. "... We do not wish to leave our home, but some of our brothers and sisters fear we must. We stand here now, beneath Azeyma's watchful eye, and decide our own fate. Speak your thoughts to the flames so that we may decide together."

So? Arbitrary restrictions - and yes, locking dye behind a level and quest wall is arbitrary - like that are what make the experience of playing ARR so frustrating. No dye until you're 15 and have finished the completely random quest that contributes nothing to your gaming experience except forcing you to travel some place randomly. No traveling out of or into La Noscea if you're not 15 and having finished the (combat class required) story quest! If you start in Ul'dah or Gridania, we're just going to randomly lock off an entire section of zones, and if you start in Limsa... well, tough cookies! You don't get to experience the rest of the world until you've leveled a combat class high enough to complete that absolutely inane story quest. Want access to bank space? Squeenix says no! That is, unless you're a combat class who has completed the quest unlock at level 20 for no particular reason. I don't care if you or some other people think it's "pointless" to utilize certain parts of the game before a certain level. It's all absurd.

That's because none of the quests past level 15 had been implemented yet, but they still wanted folk to test the dungeons.

It's a forum! These things happen.

This looks great, Naih. I wish I could contribute, but I've already got my hands more than full! Best of luck, and if you ever need folk to bounce ideas off of, you've got the K tribe's number haha.

I feel like Twinflame and I were the only people who did not run out of quests even once leveling to 50. Do not understand. We never deliberately FATE grinded, though we did them when we ran into them. The bulk of our leveling was just quests, hunting and GC log, and dungeons.

Then why are you telling me I don't understand Stoneskin when is exactly how I described I use it in previous posts?